How does Ecclesiastes 7:18 encourage balance in our spiritual walk with God? Setting the Stage: Life’s Tug-of-War Ecclesiastes 7:18 says, “It is good to grasp the one and not let go of the other. For he who fears God will escape both extremes.” Solomon watches believers pulled between harsh legalism and careless liberty, between consuming worry and reckless abandon. God’s solution is not compromise with sin but a Spirit-led steadiness that refuses every extreme. Holding Two Truths at Once • “Grasp the one” – cling to righteousness, holiness, and an uncompromising stand against evil (1 Peter 1:15-16). • “Do not let go of the other” – cling just as tightly to humility, compassion, and the joy of grace (Galatians 5:1, 22-23). • Both grips matter. Drop either and the walk topples. The Fear of the Lord: Our Balance Pole • “For he who fears God will escape both extremes.” • Fear here is reverent awe—recognizing God’s majesty, authority, and loving discipline (Proverbs 9:10). • This godly fear anchors us so we neither add to God’s Word (legalism) nor subtract from it (license), Deuteronomy 4:2. Practical Checks for Balanced Living 1. Daily Scripture intake – Spirit uses the Word to recalibrate (Psalm 119:105). 2. Honest self-examination – ask, Am I veering toward self-righteous pride or careless indulgence? (2 Corinthians 13:5). 3. Christ-centered community – trusted believers help spot drift (Hebrews 10:24-25). 4. Consistent prayer – keeps the heart soft, receptive, and aligned (Philippians 4:6-7). Guardrails Against Two Common Ditches • Legalism – Elevates man-made rules (Mark 7:8-9). – Breeds pride and judgmentalism (Luke 18:11-12). – Remedy: remember righteousness is a gift, not a trophy (Ephesians 2:8-9). • License – Treats grace as permission to sin (Jude 4). – Erodes witness and quenches the Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:19). – Remedy: recall we are bought with a price, called to honor God (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Echoes of Balance Across Scripture • Jesus came “full of grace and truth” (John 1:14) — never grace alone, never truth alone. • Paul urges, “Speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15). • James weds faith and works (James 2:17). • Peter combines holiness with hope (1 Peter 1:13-16). Living It Out Today • Keep both hands on the rope: uncompromising truth and unrelenting grace. • Let reverent fear of God steady every step. • Walk forward in joyful, watchful balance—escaping the extremes, enjoying the freedom and safety found only in Him. |
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