In what ways can Ecclesiastes 7:16 guide our daily decision-making? Setting the Verse in Context “Do not be overly righteous, and do not make yourself too wise; why should you destroy yourself?” (Ecclesiastes 7:16) • Solomon is not downplaying genuine righteousness or godly wisdom. He is warning against self-manufactured, self-exalting extremes that end in burnout, pride, and disillusionment. • The command sits inside a chapter that contrasts wisdom and folly, urging humble realism about life in a fallen world. The Two Pitfalls Exposed • Over-righteousness – Acting as though flawless performance secures God’s favor – Policing others with a critical spirit while ignoring personal blind spots (cf. Matthew 23:27) • Self-made wisdom – Trusting intellect or accumulated knowledge more than God (cf. Proverbs 3:5–7) – Treating insight as a badge of superiority instead of a gift to steward Practical Guidance for Daily Choices • Begin decisions with prayerful dependence, not human calculation alone (James 1:5). • Embrace authentic obedience, not performative spirituality. Choose integrity even when unseen. • Leave room for grace—your own and others’. Refuse perfectionism; aim for faithfulness. • Guard against a know-it-all attitude. Listen, ask questions, seek counsel (Proverbs 15:22). • Keep service central. Use what you know to build up, not show off (1 Corinthians 8:1). • Pace yourself. Say yes to assignments God gives, no to burdens He hasn’t (Matthew 11:30). • Remember the gospel: Christ’s righteousness covers you. Work from acceptance, not for it (2 Corinthians 5:21). Complementary Scriptural Voices • Romans 12:3 — “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought.” • Philippians 2:3 — “In humility consider others more important than yourselves.” • 1 Corinthians 10:12 — “Let him who thinks he stands take heed, lest he fall.” • Micah 6:8 — “Act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.” • Galatians 5:13 — “Serve one another in love,” not legalism. A Simple Daily Checklist □ Did I seek the Lord’s wisdom first? □ Am I acting to impress or to obey? □ Have I left space for human weakness and God’s grace? □ Am I listening more than lecturing? □ Is my choice motivated by love that builds others up? Let Ecclesiastes 7:16 keep you alert to prideful extremes, steering every decision toward humble, grace-filled, Christ-honoring balance. |
    |