Bible verse
Do not be overly righteous, and do not make yourself too wise. Why should you destroy yourself?
Ecclesiastes 7:16 · BSB
The verses around it, from Ecclesiastes 7.
12 For wisdom, like money, is a shelter, and the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of its owner.
13 Consider the work of God: Who can straighten what He has bent?
14 In the day of prosperity, be joyful, but in the day of adversity, consider this: God has made one of these along with the other, so that a man cannot discover anything that will come after him.
15 In my futile life I have seen both of these: A righteous man perishing in his righteousness, and a wicked man living long in his wickedness.
16 Do not be overly righteous, and do not make yourself too wise. Why should you destroy yourself?
17 Do not be excessively wicked, and do not be a fool. Why should you die before your time?
18 It is good to grasp the one and not let the other slip from your hand. For he who fears God will follow both warnings.
19 Wisdom makes the wise man stronger than ten rulers in a city.
20 Surely there is no righteous man on earth who does good and never sins.
KJV
Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself?
ASV
Be not righteous overmuch; neither make thyself overwise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself?
ERV
Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself?
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Scripture quotations are from the Berean Standard Bible, which is free of copyright restrictions for use on websites. Read the full Bible on Great Faith.