What is the meaning of Ecclesiastes 7:18? It is good to grasp the one – Ecclesiastes 7:18 opens by praising the wisdom of actively “grasping” the first warning Solomon has just given—“Do not be overly righteous, and do not make yourself too wise” (Ecclesiastes 7:16). – Grasping means: • A firm, conscious decision to avoid self-righteousness or spiritual pride. • Keeping humility at the forefront, remembering that “all have sinned” (Romans 3:23). – Scripture regularly commends a humble, teachable spirit rather than self-made righteousness (Micah 6:8; Luke 18:11-14). – The benefit is “good” because it spares us from the self-destruction Solomon warns about in verse 16—an inner burnout that comes from trusting our own morality instead of God’s mercy (Galatians 2:21). and not let the other slip from your hand – The second clause tells us to maintain a grip on the companion warning: “Do not be excessively wicked, and do not be a fool” (Ecclesiastes 7:17). – Letting it “slip” would mean drifting into careless sin or presuming on God’s grace (Romans 6:1-2). – Practical ways to keep hold: • Daily repentance (1 John 1:9). • Guarding our minds (Philippians 4:8). • Choosing companions who strengthen, not weaken, our walk (1 Corinthians 15:33). – The balanced life God commends refuses both legalistic pride and licentious rebellion; it walks the narrow path that turns “neither to the right nor to the left” (Deuteronomy 5:32). For he who fears God will follow both warnings – The unifying principle is “the fear of the LORD” (Proverbs 1:7), a reverent awe that moves us to obey. – Genuine fear of God: • Recognizes His holiness and justice, motivating us to shun wickedness (Proverbs 8:13). • Acknowledges His grace, keeping us from self-righteous boasting (Ephesians 2:8-9). – In practice, the God-fearing person: • Relies on Christ’s righteousness rather than his own (Philippians 3:8-9). • Lives a repentant, obedient life that bears fruit (John 15:5). – By tying both commands to the fear of God, Solomon shows that a right view of the Lord is what steadies our hands so neither warning slips away. summary Ecclesiastes 7:18 urges us to grab hold of two complementary truths: reject smug, self-made righteousness and refuse careless, willful sin. The key is a reverent fear of God that keeps us humble and holy at the same time. Hold both warnings tightly, and you walk the path of wisdom He blesses. |
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