Ecclesiastes 7:16 · KJV

"Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself?"

King James Version

Passage Context

¹⁴In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: God also hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him.

¹⁵All things have I seen in the days of my vanity: there is a just man that perisheth in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man that prolongeth his life in his wickedness.

¹⁶Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself?

¹⁷Be not over much wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time?

¹⁸It 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.

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Reflection Questions

What does being 'over righteous' mean to you?

How do you balance wisdom with humility in your life?

When have you seen pride lead to downfall?

Life Application

humility

Practice humility by acknowledging your limitations and the need for others.

relationships

Seek to understand others rather than judge them for their flaws.

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