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A wise person does not go to extremes, but respects God and follows Him faithfully and carefully.

BibleGateway: Ecclesiastes 7:15-25

ESV Text: Ecclesiastes 7:15-25


KJV Text:

The section starts at about 1:47 and ends at about 3:10

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15 All things have I seen in the days of my vanity: there is a just man that perisheth in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man that prolongeth his life in his wickedness. 16 Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself? 17 Be not over much wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time? 18 It is good that thou shouldest take hold of this; yea, also from this withdraw not thine hand: for he that feareth God shall come forth of them all. 19 Wisdom strengtheneth the wise more than ten mighty men which are in the city. 20 For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not. 21 Also take no heed unto all words that are spoken; lest thou hear thy servant curse thee: 22 For oftentimes also thine own heart knoweth that thou thyself likewise hast cursed others.

     23 All this have I proved by wisdom: I said, I will be wise; but it was far from me. 24 That which is far off, and exceeding deep, who can find it out? 25 I applied mine heart to know, and to search, and to seek out wisdom, and the reason of things, and to know the wickedness of folly, even of foolishness and madness:(KJV)


Hymn: TLH 395 :
O God, Thou Faithful God

Hymnary.org — Organ Audio

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1. O God, Thou faithful God, 
Thou Fountain ever flowing, 
Who good and perfect gifts 
In mercy art bestowing, 
Give me a healthy frame, 
And may I have within 
A conscience free from blame, 
A soul unhurt by sin! 

2. Grant Thou me strength to do 
With ready heart and willing 
Whate’er Thou shalt command, 
My calling here fulfilling; 
To do it when I ought, 
With all my might, and bless 
The work I thus have wrought, 
For Thou must give success. 

3. Oh, let me never speak 
What bounds of truth exceedeth; 
Grant that no idle word 
From out my mouth proceedeth; 
And then, when in my place 
I must and ought to speak, 
My words grant power and grace 
Lest I offend the weak. 

4. If dangers gather round, 
Still keep me calm and fearless; 
Help me to bear the cross 
When life is dark and cheerless; 
And let me win my foe 
With words and actions kind. 
When counsel I would know, 
Good counsel let me find. 

5. And let me with all men, 
As far as in me lieth, 
In peace and friendship live. 
And if Thy gift supplieth 
Great wealth and honor fair, 
Then this refuse me not, 
That naught be mingled there 
Of goods unjustly got. 

6. If Thou a longer life 
Hast here on earth decreed me; 
If Thou through many ills 
To age at length wilt lead me, 
Thy patience on me shed. 
Avert all sin and shame 
And crown my hoary head 
With honor free from blame. 

7. Let me depart this life 
Confiding in my Savior; 
Do Thou my soul receive 
That it may live forever; 
And let my body have 
A quiet resting-place 
Within a Christian grave; 
And let it sleep in peace. 

8. And on that solemn Day 
When all the dead are waking, 
Stretch o’er my grave Thy hand, 
Thyself my slumbers breaking. 
Then let me hear Thy voice, 
Change Thou this earthly frame, 
And bid me aye rejoice 
With those who love Thy name. 


Hymn: LSB 871 Greet the Rising Sun
Hymnary.org