How can we practically apply Ecclesiastes 7:18 to our decision-making processes? Holding the Verse in View “It is good to grasp the one and not let go of the other. Whoever fears God will escape both extremes.” (Ecclesiastes 7:18) Seeing the Big Picture • Solomon has just warned against being “overly righteous” or “overly wicked” (7:16-17). • Verse 18 calls us to avoid those extremes by anchoring every choice in the fear of God. • Practical application flows from balancing two godly commitments: wholehearted reverence for God and honest humility about our limited wisdom. Why the Fear of God Anchors Decisions • Reverence for God brings clarity (Proverbs 1:7). • It guards the heart from prideful legalism on one side and careless sin on the other (Psalm 25:12-14). • It reminds us that we live under God’s sovereign eye (2 Chronicles 16:9). • Therefore, every decision becomes an act of worship (Romans 12:1-2). Practical Steps for Decision-Making 1. Start with Worship – Pause, read the verse aloud, and acknowledge God’s supremacy. – Ask, “How does this choice display my fear of the Lord?” 2. Identify the Extremes – Legalistic over-control: demanding perfection, relying on self-righteousness. – Reckless license: ignoring consequences, downplaying holiness. – Write both on paper and note where your heart tends to drift. 3. Seek Scriptural Balance – Compare options with clear commands or principles (Psalm 119:105). – Example: generosity vs. stewardship (2 Corinthians 9:6-7; Proverbs 13:22). – Embrace tension; obey what is plain, trust God with gray areas. 4. Consult God-fearing Counsel – “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed” (Proverbs 15:22). – Choose advisers who themselves fear God; they will spot extremes you miss. 5. Evaluate Motives – Pray Psalm 139:23-24. – Ask: Am I pursuing this to exalt Christ or myself? Is fear or faith steering me? 6. Decide, Then Depend – Make the choice that best aligns with Scripture, wisdom, and godly counsel. – Commit the outcome to the Lord (Proverbs 16:3). – Stay humble, ready to adjust if He redirects (James 4:13-15). 7. Review and Grow – Afterward, assess results honestly. – Note how avoiding extremes produced peace and integrity. – Record lessons to inform future decisions. Everyday Illustrations • Career Change: Balance godly ambition (Colossians 3:23) with contentment (1 Timothy 6:6-8). • Parenting: Blend discipline (Proverbs 13:24) with compassion (Psalm 103:13). • Finances: Combine prudent saving (Proverbs 21:20) with cheerful giving (Luke 6:38). Living the Verse Out Loud • Keep Ecclesiastes 7:18 on a sticky note where decisions are made—desk, fridge, phone. • When pressured, whisper the verse; realign heart and mind. • Over time, escaping “both extremes” becomes a habit, and the fear of God shapes every choice. |
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