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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. |
Subject: Balanced, centered, or lukewarm? |
Bible Note: You say you don't recall reading in the Scriptures about balance? Then maybe you should read our key verses again. They are Ecclesiastes 7:16-18. The scriptures also speak about “moderation” and “modesty” and “self-control” and these seem to connote balance. One might say they are most desirable qualities in any man, most of all the Christian. “Balance with what?”, you ask. Don’t you like the way Jesus balanced power with meekness, knowledge with humility, desire with patience? But then individual postures, such as anticipation, may well be balanced too. Some days you can't wait for Christ's return and some days you say, “Oh God, don't come now”. How do you strive for balance? You don't. You seem to have good tolerance for the ups and downs of anticipation. If you wanted to have balance there you could decide to “abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. Remember to be ready always : “for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh”. Another alternative to balance is to be extreme. Very hot. Very cold. Very fast. O so slow. “Just go and go and go”. Or “no go”. One gets the picture of a driver rapidly alternating between the accelerator and the brake. Would it not be better to get some balance of that peddle? I think our passage, indeed the whole tenor of scripture, says there is a need for balance. It seems that experience and practice should help us to achieve it. What do you think? |