Ecclesiastes 7:18 - It is good that you should take hold of this. Yes, also from that don’t withdraw your hand; for he who fears God will come out of them all.

Generated Verse: Ecclesiastes 7:18

What does "Ecclesiastes 7:18" mean?


This verse in Ecclesiastes 7:18 is speaking about the balance between righteousness and wisdom in life. Let's break it down:

"It is good that you should take hold of this..." - "This" refers to righteousness or doing what is right. The author is encouraging the reader to embrace and pursue righteousness. It's a valuable and necessary part of a meaningful life.

"...Yes, also from that don’t withdraw your hand..." - "That" refers to wisdom or prudence. In the context of Ecclesiastes, it often means understanding the complexities and uncertainties of life, and not being overly idealistic or rigid in your approach. The author is warning against abandoning wisdom in the pursuit of righteousness. You shouldn't let your enthusiasm for doing what is right blind you to practical considerations or the nuances of situations.

"...for he who fears God will come out of them all." - This is the key to understanding the verse. "Fearing God" in the Old Testament is not about being scared of God, but about having reverence, respect, and a deep sense of accountability to Him. A person who fears God (i.e., lives in accordance with His will and wisdom) will be able to navigate the complexities of life, balancing righteousness and wisdom appropriately. They will be able to "come out of them all" - meaning, successfully overcome the challenges and difficulties that life presents.

In essence, the verse is advising us to:

Strive to do what is right and just.
Don't abandon wisdom and prudence in your pursuit of righteousness.
Live with a deep sense of reverence and accountability to God.
By balancing righteousness and wisdom, guided by a fear of God, you will be able to navigate the difficulties of life and ultimately succeed.

The verse highlights that neither extreme—either extreme righteousness without wisdom or extreme wisdom without righteousness—is ideal. True success and fulfillment come from a balanced approach that is rooted in a reverence for God.

What categories does "Ecclesiastes 7:18" have?