15. I have seen all manner of things in my vain days: the just perishing in their justice, and the wicked living long in their wickedness.
16. “Be not just to excess, and be not overwise. Why work your own ruin?
17. Be not wicked to excess, and be not foolish. Why should you die before your time?”
18. It is good to hold to this rule, and not to let that one go; but the one who fears God will succeed with both.
19. Wisdom is a better defense for the wise than ten princes in the city,
20. yet there is no one on earth so just as to do good and never sin.
21. Do not give your heart to every word that is spoken; you may hear your servant cursing you,
22. for your heart knows that you have many times cursed others.