Ecclesiastes 7:16

Be not righteous ouer much, neither make thy selfe ouer wise: why shouldest thou destroy thy selfe?
- King James Version (1611) - View 1611 Bible Scan

Do not be excessively righteous and do not be overly wise. Why should you ruin yourself?
- New American Standard Version (1995)

Be not righteous overmuch; neither make thyself overwise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself?
- American Standard Version (1901)

Be not given overmuch to righteousness and be not over-wise. Why let destruction come on you?
- Basic English Bible

Be not righteous overmuch; neither make thyself overwise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself?
- Darby Bible

Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldst thou destroy thyself?
- Webster's Bible

Don't be overly righteous, neither make yourself overly wise. Why should you destroy yourself?
- World English Bible

Be not over-righteous, nor show thyself too wise, why art thou desolate?
- Youngs Literal Bible

Be not righteous overmuch; neither make thyself overwise; why shouldest thou destroy thyself?
- Jewish Publication Society Bible

Wesley's Notes for Ecclesiastes 7:16

7:16 Be not - This verse and the next have a manifest reference to ver.#15|, being two inferences drawn from the two clauses of the observation. Solomon here speaks in the person of an ungodly man, who takes occasion to dissuade men from righteousness, because of the danger which attends it. Therefore, saith he, take heed of strictness, zeal, and forwardness in religion. And the next verse contains an antidote to this suggestion; yea, rather saith he, be not wicked or foolish overmuch; for that will not preserve thee, as thou mayest imagine, but will occasion and hasten thy ruin.