The book of Ecclesiastes contains wisdom and teachings about how to live a meaningful life. In chapter 7 verse 18, the author makes an intriguing statement about avoiding extremes by fearing God:
“It is good that you should take hold of this, and from that withhold not your hand, for the one who fears God shall come out from both of them.” (Ecclesiastes 7:18 ESV)
This verse teaches an important principle – that the person who truly fears or reveres God will seek to avoid going to extremes in life. Let’s break down the meaning and application of this verse:
1. The Context of Ecclesiastes 7:18
First, it’s important to understand the broader context of this verse. Ecclesiastes 7 contains wisdom about living wisely and finding balance in life. Verses 15-18 contrast both righteousness and wickedness as extremes to avoid:
“In my vain life I have seen everything. There is a righteous man who perishes in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man who prolongs his life in his evildoing. Be not overly righteous, and do not make yourself too wise. Why should you destroy yourself? Be not overly wicked, neither be a fool. Why should you die before your time? It is good that you should take hold of this, and from that withhold not your hand, for the one who fears God shall come out from both of them.” (Ecclesiastes 7:15-18 ESV)
So this passage warns against being too righteous or too wicked. The one who fears God will seek wisdom and balance in life, avoiding all extremes.
2. Fearing God Leads to Wisdom
What does it mean to fear God? Fearing God means having reverence, awe, and deep respect for who He is. It goes beyond simply believing in God or being afraid of punishment. True fear of the Lord recognizes God’s holiness, sovereignty, and power. This attitude prompts us to live in ways that honor and obey Him.
Fearing God leads to wisdom because it keeps us mindful that life is not all about us. We are accountable to our Creator. Walking in wisdom means understanding there are consequences for our actions, both now and eternally (Psalm 111:10, Proverbs 1:7, Proverbs 9:10).
People who fear the Lord trust Him even when life feels out of control. They realize God has established moral absolutes for our good. Rather than chasing whatever seems right in their own eyes, they submit to God’s standards and ways (Proverbs 14:16).
3. Avoiding Extremes Is Wise
Why does fearing God lead people to avoid extremes according to Ecclesiastes 7:18? Going to extremes in almost anything is usually unwise and unhealthy. Righteousness and wickedness represent moral and spiritual extremes. But this principle applies to many other areas as well.
For example, fearing God promotes:
- Avoiding extreme work habits that destroy family relationships and health in the pursuit of material gain
- Finding balance inresting and working hard, neither being lazy nor a workaholic
- Living within your means financially, steering clear of both miserliness and overspending
- Maintaining physical health through proper diet and exercise, not deprivation nor gluttony and greed
- Cultivating healthy relationships, not becoming a loner nor codependent with others
In most aspects of life, virtue stands in the center between two extremes. Fearing God allows us to live wisely and find balance by avoiding all radical extremes.
4. What Does It Mean to “Come Out From Both of Them”?
The last part of Ecclesiastes 7:18 says that the one who fears God will “come out from both of them.” In context, this means that God-fearing people will avoid both extremes of righteousness and wickedness mentioned in the previous verses.
By fearing the Lord, we can escape the trap of going to unhealthy extremes. God’s wisdom guides us to pursue moderation and balance in living righteously but not self-righteously. The God-fearing person stands apart from both radical wickedness and extreme legalism or asceticism.
Fearing God does not mean missing out on life. Rather, it brings freedom! Avoiding extremes allows us to live life to the full as God intended – with joy, peace and wisdom.
5. Practical Applications for Avoiding Extremes
How can we apply the truth of avoiding extremes in our daily lives? Here are some practical ways to live out Ecclesiastes 7:18:
- Pursue moderation in all things by God’s grace and wisdom.
- Beware of thinking in extremes or absolutes.
- Examine your motives and passions. Are you being led by selfish desire versus loving God and others?
- Study God’s word to renew your mind and see sin and righteousness as He does.
- Invite accountability from other wise Christians to help you stay balanced.
- Keep your focus on Christ to avoid worldly extremes and legalism.
- When convicted about an unhealthy excess, repent and ask God to help you change.
- Trust God’s Spirit to produce moderation, self-control and sound judgment in your life (Galatians 5:22-23).
6. Benefits of Avoiding Extremes by Fearing God
There are many benefits when we avoid extremes by fearing God:
- We gain God’s wisdom and walk in His will for life.
- We avoid much pain and regret caused by radical living.
- We live balanced, fulfilling and meaningful lives.
- We avoid stumbling others through extreme behavior.
- We gain freedom from worldly passions and compulsions.
- We enjoy life as God designed it to be lived.
- We bring glory to God through moderate, righteous living.
Although avoiding extremes takes wisdom and self-control, the blessings are incredibly worth it. Moderation guided by the fear of the Lord grants peace, health, stable relationships, and reciprocal love between us and God.
7. Depending on God’s Grace and Wisdom
Although avoiding extremes is wise, we cannot succeed by willpower alone. We need God’s grace and wisdom to sustain us each day. Following are some ways we can depend on Him:
- Pray for discernment to identify any unhealthy excess in your attitudes and habits.
- Ask God to search your heart and reveal the motivations behind why you go to extremes.
- Study Scripture with an openness to hear what God says about righteous, moderate living.
- Seek the Holy Spirit’s power to help you control passions and desires that fuel extremes.
- Surround yourself with God-fearing people who will encourage you to avoid radical living.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Psalm 111:10). As we look to God alone as our source of truth, fulfillment and security, He gives grace to help us avoid all extremes and walk the path of wise, moderate living.
8. Examples of Bible Characters Who Avoided Extremes
Several people in the Bible illustrate the blessing of avoiding extremes by fearing God:
Joseph
Joseph avoided the trap of adultery with Potiphar’s wife, but he also did not become judgmental towards her (Genesis 39:7-12). He refused vengeance on his brothers but did not excuse their sin either (Genesis 42:18-22).
Daniel
Though pressured to conform, Daniel refused to compromise his faith and worship of God. But he did not become self-righteous toward unbelievers, instead serving faithfully in a pagan culture (Daniel 1:8, Daniel 6:1-5).
Jesus
Jesus never condoned sin, but He taught against judgmental attitudes and hypocrisy. He avoided religious extremes of legalism but still fulfilled God’s law perfectly (Matthew 23:23-28, Hebrews 4:15).
Paul
Paul avoided both license and legalism. He taught firmly against sin but warned even more often about religious pride and judgment of others (Galatians 5:13-14, Romans 14:1-4).
These examples remind us that by God’s grace, it is possible to live righteously while avoiding the ditch of radical behavior that harms ourselves and others.
9. Trusting God When Others Go to Extremes
One challenge many believers face is how to respond when others around us go to unhealthy extremes. We cannot control other people’s choices. But by fearing God, we can avoid following suit down a path of radical living.
When loved ones or fellow Christians get imbalanced, we can pray for God to intervene and provide conviction and wisdom. But we must guard our own hearts against self-righteous judgment (Matthew 7:1-5).
Only God can judge hearts and motives accurately. Our job is to examine our own walk with Christ and let the Holy Spirit produce maturity in our lives. Trusting God to work in His timing gives us peace to avoid sinful extremes ourselves while also avoiding a judgmental attitude.
10. Looking Forward to Perfect Balance in Eternity
Avoiding extremes is challenging in this fallen world permeated by sin. But one day when Jesus Christ returns, the struggle with radical living will be gone. God promises to make all things new (Revelation 21:5).
There will be no more pain, brokenness or unhealthy excess caused by sin. Believers will worship God face to face and radiate His glory. Until then, looking forward to eternity motivates us to live balanced, moderate lives that please God today.
Though difficult at times, the wisdom to avoid extremes comes from fearing God. He gives grace and discernment so we can live in the freedom of moderation. By avoiding radical behavior that destroys our witness and joy, we experience life to the fullest as God designed.