The doctrine of the mean is a concept found in the Bible that emphasizes moderation, avoidance of extremes, and living a balanced life. It teaches that virtue and wisdom are found in the “middle way” between excess and deficiency. This doctrine is rooted in several biblical principles:
Moderation
The Bible warns against going to extremes and advocates living with moderation and self-control. “Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.” (Philippians 4:5) “And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things.” (1 Corinthians 9:25) Moderation means not indulging in too much of anything, even good things, and maintaining balance across all areas of life.
Avoiding Extremes
The Bible cautions against extreme behaviors and attitudes. “Be not righteous over much, neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself?” (Ecclesiastes 7:16) Going to extremes can be destructive and the Bible advocates the middle ground between two extremes. Even morally good traits like righteousness and wisdom can become vices when taken too far.
The Golden Mean
The doctrine of the mean has parallels to the “golden mean” advocated by Greek philosophers like Aristotle. This is the desirable middle between two extremes, one of excess and the other of deficiency. Courage, for example, is the golden mean between cowardice (deficiency) and recklessness (excess). The Bible promotes virtue as the prudent middle ground.
Balance
A balanced lifestyle is encouraged throughout the Bible. “Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.” (Philippians 4:5) Being balanced means not neglecting important areas of life like family, health, work, God, etc. It also means having equilibrium in emotions, attitudes, behaviors, and priorities.
Humility
Pride leads people to extremes, while humility focuses on moderation and keeping perspective. “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” (Philippians 2:3) The Bible advocates humility which enables balanced, moderate living.
Self-Control
“And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things.” (1 Corinthians 9:25) Self-control is crucial for living the doctrine of the mean. It empowers people to exercise moderation, control extremes, and maintain equilibrium rather than being controlled by passions or desires.
Prudence
Prudence is exercising good judgment when making decisions. It is the practical wisdom to know what is appropriate in a given situation – not too much or too little. “A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.” (Proverbs 12:23) Prudence helps identify the wise middle course.
Avoiding Excess
The Bible clearly warns against excess and lack of self-restraint. “Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.” (Proverbs 25:16) Gorging on pleasures and overindulgence leads to undesirable consequences according to the doctrine of the mean.
Harmony
The Bible encourages living in harmony with God, others, and all of creation. This requires balance, temperance, and avoidance of extremes. “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be conceited.” (Romans 12:16) Harmony results from the equilibrium promoted by the doctrine of the mean.
Right Priorities
Setting the right priorities and putting first things first is part of biblical moderation. “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33) Proper priorities lead to a balanced life and avoiding extremes.
Good Stewardship
Moderation and balance applies to managing money, time, abilities, and all of life’s resources. “Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” (1 Corinthians 4:2) Good stewardship is using what God has given in a balanced, moderate way.
Temperance
“And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things.” (1 Corinthians 9:25) Temperance is moderation and self-restraint, especially regarding food, drink, and pleasures. This virtue was essential for living according to the doctrine of the mean.
Defensive Position
The Bible advocates a defensive posture that guards against all extremes. “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” (Proverbs 4:23) Moderation requires vigilance against anything that could lead to excess or deficiency.
Reasonableness
The doctrine of the mean seeks the reasonable middle ground in all matters. “Let your reasonableness be known to everyone…” (Philippians 4:5) Reasonableness applies sound thinking to identify what is appropriate and moderate.
Right Mindset
Moderation starts with the right mindset and motivation. “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” (Philippians 2:3) A humble, selfless mindset enables balanced, moderate living.
Watchfulness
“Be alert and sober-minded. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8) Vigilance is required to stay on the narrow path of moderation. Watchfulness guards against subtle drifts toward any extreme.
Wisdom
Wisdom from God enables people to live balanced, moderate lives. “Who is wise? Let them realize these things. Who is discerning? Let them understand.” (Hosea 14:9) Biblical wisdom is essential for practicing the doctrine of the mean.
Generosity
While greed leads to extremes, generosity and sharing with others promotes balance and moderation. “Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.” (1 Timothy 6:18) Generosity reflects the equilibrium of the doctrine of the mean.
Right Ambition
Ambition for riches, fame, status or power often leads to destructive extremes. But seeking first God’s kingdom leads to moderate living. “Aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs…” (1 Thessalonians 4:11) Right ambition allows balance.
Contentment
“Godliness with contentment is great gain… But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation.” (1 Timothy 6:6-9) Contentment promotes moderation, while discontent drives people to extremes.
Authentic Living
Biblical moderation involves sincerely living out your faith with integrity. “The integrity of the upright guides them.” (Proverbs 11:3) Genuine faith protects against hypocritical extremes and guides balanced living.
In summary, the doctrine of the mean is the biblical principle of living a balanced, moderate life by avoiding extremes and practicing prudence, self-control, temperance, contentment, humility, and authenticity. It advocates the middle path of virtue guided by godly wisdom and sound judgment.