Ecclesiastes 7:16-18
Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
16 Don’t be excessively righteous, and don’t be overly wise. Why should you destroy yourself? 17 Don’t be excessively wicked, and don’t be foolish. Why should you die before your time? 18 It is good that you grasp the one and do not let the other slip from your hand. For the one who fears God will end up with both of them.
How can a person be too righteous or too wise? This is a warning against religious conceit - legalism or false righteousness. Solomon was saying that some people become overly righteous or wise in their own eyes because they are deluded by their own religious acts. They are so rigid or narrow in their views that they lose their sensitivity to the true reason for being good - to honor God. Balance is important. God created us to be whole people who seek His righteousness and goodness. Thus we should avoid both extremes of legalism and immorality.
Joe
How can a person be too righteous or too wise? This is a warning against religious conceit - legalism or false righteousness. Solomon was saying that some people become overly righteous or wise in their own eyes because they are deluded by their own religious acts. They are so rigid or narrow in their views that they lose their sensitivity to the true reason for being good - to honor God. Balance is important. God created us to be whole people who seek His righteousness and goodness. Thus we should avoid both extremes of legalism and immorality.
Joe
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