Be not righteous over much

Bible Reading: Ecclesiastes 7-12

Ecclesiastes 7:16-18 Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself? 17 Be not over much wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time? 18 It is good that thou shouldest take hold of this; yea, also from this withdraw not thine hand: for he that feareth God shall come forth of them all.

Solomon had been around some self-righteous people. Here he gives a warning and tells us that we should 'take hold of' an important lesson. It will destroy you to make yourself out to be something you are not. Have you ever been around someone who was more righteous than everyone else around them? Ray Stevens called this person "Bertha Better-Than-You". Don't be like the man Jesus spoke of.

Luke 18:9-14 And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: 10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. 11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. 12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. 13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

He also warns against being overly wicked. This will cut your life short! To be a self-righteous, know-it-all will destroy you and to be an outlaw will do the same. Instead, fear God and understand that true righteousness is a gift that is imputed to the person who has faith in Jesus Christ. Humble yourself before God and trust him. If you live a righteous life, it is as a result of the Holy Ghost living in you.

In Christ,
Rody