Ecclesiastes 7:16
Says those who are overly righteous or overly wise destroy themselves
So what does that mean?
To me, being overly righteous, means you rely on your own effort, exertion and self-absorbed social devices to attain character,
Rather than humbling yourself before God’s standard and seeking to obey Him and trust Him, building your productive and obedient behaviour around and through that trust.
To be overly wise, is similar: It means you rely on your own human devices to understand God, rather than basing your understanding on the rewards that come with obeying God, or the practical knowledge that comes with daily compliance to His standard.
Righteousness is based on faith, humility, obedience and trust, not self initiated sacrifices built around your own personal humanistic devices.
Wisdom is based on obedience and dutiful service, not on any extravagance in study or social diplomacy.
This is why it says the man who fears God will avoid all extremes.
Most Helpful Opinions