Walking Thru Ecclesiastes

Solomon’s practical counsel

Spotlight on Ecclesiastes 7:15-22

 

“Do not be excessively righteous [like those given to self-conceit, and do not be overly wise [pretentious] - why should you bring yourself to ruin?”- Ecclesiastes 7:16 ^{Amplified Bible}

 

            Scripture is clear that because of what took place with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden all men became sinful at their core. We are born with the seed of sin in us. As we grow, we can potentially become conceited, (aka, full of ourselves) and make ourselves believe that we are better than others around us. Our overconfidence causes us to become pompous and self-righteous. While there were some very good men among them, the Pharisees were largely self-righteous, covetous hypocrites; puffed up with an overinflated sense of importance. They were the experts…the keepers, and interpreters of Mosaic Law. To many they were viewed as religious legalists who shackled the Jewish people with hundreds of “religious” laws due to their restrictive interpretations of said law. I believe this is the type of person Solomon is referring to, even though the Pharisees do not yet exist. Their sect came into being during the Maccabean Period, along with two other sects, the Sadducees and the Essenes.

            Thinking of yourself as righteous and wise in your own eyes could mean you never took the time to analyze every inward part of yourself. It’s called being introspective. You ruin yourself by shunning further instruction, insisting within yourself that you need not clutter your mind with other thoughts that may cause you confusion. In reality, one should always be ready to learn new things. Until we take our last breath, we should be willing to learn something new. This provides a wall of defense against becoming prideful and self-righteous. 

            God is not impressed with false piety. Those discerning among us can sense pretentiousness in the air. If you are righteous because of God, then you are righteous because he has made you so thru Christ’s blood and you shall ever be in righteous standing before God. Those who try to fake their own righteousness will always fall short and never be recognized by the Lord as righteous by their own doing. The same with wisdom. A person’s undoing is when they try to show off to the world their wisdom. It is a fool’s errand. Once found out their integrity has been damaged. Sadly, they will always be seen as pompous, self-righteous fools. There is a way back from this, however, it is a long, arduous road that can be very humbling. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & For His Glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resources: NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible, Zondervan, 2016; NIV Quest Bible Study Notes, Zondervan, 2011.