Living a Balanced Life

At first what Solomon is saying seems blasphemous.

“Do not be overly righteous, nor be overly wise: why should you destroy yourself? Do not be overly wicked, nor be foolish: why should you die before your time?” (Ecclesiastes 7:16-17 NKJV)

But what Solomon is saying is to live a balanced life somewhere in-between the two.

First, let’s not take our righteousness and be pharisaical as Jesus warns, calling them hypocrites, blind guides, and fools, because they are not living as they profess (Matthew 23).

The reason is because there’s no one who is righteous enough and who hasn’t sinned and fallen short of God’s holy and righteous standards for life, Romans 3:10; 23.

How about wisdom? Can we be overly wise? All true wisdom comes from God and the Apostle James tells us that we’re to ask God for His wisdom, James 1:5.

But there is another kind wisdom that is earthly, sensual, and demonic, James 3:15, so it’s not a good thing to be overly wise in seeking wisdom outside the Lord and His word.

Solomon also tells us not to be overly wicked and foolish. When I read this I think why do we need to be foolish or wicked at all.

The truth, however, is we all have the sin nature within and that’s why the Lord tells of our need to seek His forgiveness. The Lord is saying that we must not allow our sin to continue without repenting and turning back to Him.

Life contains both the righteousness and wickedness of humanity. The trick is not to allow either to exceed God’s boundaries.

How do we do this?

Solomon says, “It is good that you grasp this, and also not remove your hand from the other; for he who fears God will escape them all.” (Ecclesiastes 7:18 NKJV)

Later he said, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13 NKJV)