Two Things That Will Destroy You!
There Are Two Things To Guard Against, According To This Old Testament Warning!
#1. Worldliness,
#2. Fanaticism.
(It is possible to be caught in either trap.)
Eccl. 7:16 Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself?
Eccl. 7:17 Be not over much wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time?
- Worldliness will destroy you.
- Fanaticism will destroy you.
These are verses no one seems to quote much. The danger is certain self-destruction. So one would think they should not be ignored.
How do you define, “overmuch righteous?” Is the definition, just “someone who requires more than you?”
I know what the various Bible Translations say, and what Strong’s says. I am curious how the people of God would apply these scriptures and definitions in their every day life and language.
(And….Lord forbid, we should try to define “overmuch wicked”)
How say you?
(Don’t destroy yourself, or die before your time!)
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James Groce Blog – "Toward The Mark"
Kenneth Bow Blog
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Philip Harrelson – "The Barnabas Blog"
Verbal Bean Ministries
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The Ballestero Blog 
What you taught me “balance” is what I try to apply to most (which should be all) issues. My yoke is easy and my burden light is the Lord’s words. I think there is a wonderful medium for a christian some may interpret that as meaning luke warm which would be wrong it means “real”. A man must have some teeter in his totter. God Bless you. Always a man of integrity and it speaks through your writing.
Bro. McKinnies
Michael McKinnies
January 15, 2010 at 9:02 am
The right life walks the path between two extremes, shunning self-righteousness, but not allowing one’s native wickedness to run its own course.
Betty Strawcutter
January 15, 2010 at 10:39 am
I use these scriptures to teach a title “Too Smart For Your Own Good”
Balance is such a necessity and while we consider even our standards, they should always be balanced by true Apostolic conviction. Matthew 23:24 Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.
There are things we strain at that kills it’s thousands, but swallow new things that may be killing it’s ten thousands. Proverbs 11: {1} A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight. {2} When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom. I always humbly pray that my attitude keeps me from falling overboard to either direction. Lord help keep me balanced. Bro Mac
Mark McKinney
January 15, 2010 at 11:29 am
While praying this morning, I was impressed with the Scriptures that warn us (all) of the severe penalty of Adding TO, and Taking AWAY, from the Word of God. Fanatics, add more restrictions than they themselves can keep, or, live up to. Compromisers, on the other hand, take away theyou very essence of Holiness. The Fanatic is the, The Overmuch Holy Crowd. The Compromise, is the Over Much Wicked Bunch.
The Fanatic closes the gate. The Compromiser kicks the gate off it’s hinges.
Hhd
January 18, 2010 at 11:31 am
To take extreme stands can cause you to become desolate or isolated. Eccl. 7:15 to 18 “I have seen everything in mu futile existence: Sometimes a righteous man perishes for all his righteousness, and sometimes a wicked man endures for all his wickedness.Vs.16 Do not be overly righteous or excessively wise: why be left desolate?. Vs.17&18 Be not overly wicked nor be a fool: why die before your time? It is best to grasp the one and not let go of the other; he who fears God performs them all”. this is from The ArtScroll Tanach Series.
Tom Puleo
January 18, 2010 at 8:08 pm