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NASB | Ecclesiastes 7:18 It is good that you grasp one thing and also not let go of the other; for the one who fears God comes forth with both of them. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Ecclesiastes 7:18 It is good that you take hold of one thing (righteousness) and also not let go of the other (wisdom); for the one who fears and worships God [with awe-filled reverence] will come forth with both of them. |
Bible Question: Ecclesiastes 7:18 is apparently a summary and conclusion, following on verses 16 and 17. Thesis, antithesis, synthesis. But where does it leave us? Don't be too hot, or too cold, but don’t be lukewarm either. Who among our brethren has been able to find that perfect balance without being spewed out of his mouth? Please share your wisdom now, your experience, and the scriptures that have guided you. |
Bible Answer: Aixen7z4: Because of your question - is there a feeling of condemnation that has crept into your thoughts? Are you feeling that you have not or are not doing all that you can? If so, this thought is not unique to Christians. Often we find that sometimes an idea comes into our heads that we are not right in God's eyes. A seed of doubt. An attempt to steal joy. In the Gospels Satan tried this very thing with Jesus. Sowing doubt in our minds. Hot, cold, lukewarm. Ecclesiastes has a recurring word in it, vanity. This tool is used with precision in the hands of Satan. Getting us involved into looking inside ourselves too much. A mother holds her child and you can see the love she has for it in her eyes. Does a mother love her child less when she is washing dishes and you don't see the love? No, the spirit of her love is still the same. It is just not being displayed. Did Paul love the Lord less when he was making tents? (Acts 18:3*) No, it was not displayed, in that he was not out preaching and teaching. Yet, it was displayed because he was supporting himself. And actually, the mother's love was displayed by washing the dishes and keeping up the house as an act of loving her child. Therefore, what we do throughout the day can show our love to the Father just by doing daily responsibilities. God is not going to come into your kitchen and wash the dishes for you. Paul worked and supported himself, did his daily chores just like us, and tended to his calling, teaching and preaching. He was called to a full time ministry but he did his daily responsibilities as well. Do not separate Romans chapter 7 and Romans chapter 8. The words "there is therefore" in Rom. 8:1 means "what I am going to say next has to do with what I just said". My supportive Scriptures, cause I am still man: Rom 7:14 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. Rom 7:15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. Rom 7:16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. Rom 7:17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. Rom 7:18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. Rom 7:19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Rom 7:20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. Rom 7:21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. Rom 7:22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: Rom 7:23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. Rom 7:24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? Rom 7:25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin. Rom 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Rom 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. * Act 18:3 And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers. God works in us everyday toward getting us to the mark. Every day can be an adventure. Nothing can remove you from the Hands that love you. Mark 14:38 Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak. Grace to you! |