Bible Strands
Ecclesiastes 7:17
Do not be excessively wicked, and do not be a fool. Why should you die before your time?
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The Preacher addresses a general audience in Ecclesiastes 7, warning against moral extremes in the same breath as warnings against self-righteous extremism.
The words — תִּרְשַׁ֥ע (tir.Sha') means "you be wicked" and הַרְבֵּ֖ה (har.Beh) means "greatly," forming the direct command against excessive evil.
The thread — The text warns against premature death, echoing Proverbs 10:27, Job 22:16, and Psalms 55:23 on the shortened days of the wicked.
Why it lands — The verse commands readers to avoid reckless wickedness by pointing to the logical consequence of dying before one's appointed time.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
Be not over much wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time?
Cross-references
- Proverbs 10:27 The fear of the LORD prolongs life, but the years of the wicked will be cut short.
- Job 22:16 They were snatched away before their time, and their foundations were swept away by a flood.
- Psalms 55:23 But You, O God, will bring them down to the Pit of destruction; men of bloodshed and deceit will not live out half their days. But I will trust in You.
- Acts 12:23 Immediately, because Herod did not give glory to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died.
- Acts 5:5 On hearing these words, Ananias fell down and died. And great fear came over all who heard what had happened.
- Acts 5:10 At that instant she fell down at his feet and died. Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband.
- Genesis 38:7 But Er, Judah’s firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the LORD; so the LORD put him to death.
- 1 Samuel 25:38 About ten days later, the LORD struck Nabal dead.
- Job 15:32 It will be paid in full before his time, and his branch will not flourish.
- James 1:21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and every expression of evil, and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save your souls.