What does "grasp one and not let go of the other" mean? Seeing the Phrase in Context Ecclesiastes 7:18 records: “It is good to grasp the one and not let go of the other. For the one who fears God will escape both.” Solomon has just warned against two opposite errors: • v. 16 – self-righteous extremism (“Do not be excessively righteous…”) • v. 17 – reckless wickedness (“Do not be excessively wicked…”) The verse we study forms the balance: cling to the good counsel from each warning and refuse to drop either side. Digging into the Words • “Grasp” (Hebrew ḥăzaq) – take firm hold, strengthen your grip. • “Not let go” – refuse release, maintain possession. • “The other” – the second truth Solomon has supplied, completing the pair. What We’re Called to Hold 1. Humility about our righteousness (v. 16). • Isaiah 64:6 – even our best deeds are “filthy rags.” • Luke 18:9-14 – the Pharisee’s boast is condemned. 2. Seriousness about sin’s danger (v. 17). • Romans 6:23 – “the wages of sin is death.” • Galatians 6:7-8 – sowing to the flesh reaps corruption. Why Letting Go Would Hurt Us • Drop humility, and we slip into prideful legalism. • Drop reverence for God’s moral line, and we drift into license. • Either imbalance distorts the gospel witness (Titus 2:11-12). How This Applies Today • Personal walk: Guard against judging others while tolerating hidden sins. • Family life: Teach children both God’s grace and His standards (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). • Church fellowship: Encourage accountability without self-righteous airs (Galatians 6:1-2). • Public witness: Model truth and love together, refusing cultural extremes (Ephesians 4:15). Key Takeaways • The phrase calls us to embrace two complementary truths: reject proud religiosity and flee indulged sin. • A God-fearing heart (v. 18) enables this balanced grip. • Holding both guards us, shapes Christ-like character, and keeps our testimony clear in a crooked generation (Philippians 2:15). |
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