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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: Hi Aixen7z4, You talk about balance. Ecclesiastes talks about everything being appropriate in its time. 3:11. In my life I have been "hot" in my involvement in church activities; choir, deacon meetings, evangelism, etc. etc. These things were good, but family life can suffer if there is not that perfect balance. Many of us on our computers right now could reflect on whether our time would be better spent (appropriately) at cleaning the house, or paying bills, relating to the kids, etc. etc. Ecclesiastes 3:12, "I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and to do good in one's lifetime; moreover, that every man who eats and drinks see good in all his labor--it is the gift of God./ Ecclesiastes 5:18, 19, "Here is what I have seen to be good and fitting; to eat, to drink and enjoy oneself in all one's labor in which he toils under the sun during the few years of his life which God has given him; for this is his reward. 19 Furthermore, as for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, He has also empowered him to eat from them and to receive his reward and rejoice in his labor; this is the gift of God/. John 4:10, "Jesus answered and said to her, "If you knew the gift of God/, and who it [He?] is who says to you, 'Give Me a drink,' you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water." But I think that it good to look outside of ourselves and to "Consider the work of God", Ecclesiastes 7:13. Ecclesiastes 7:29, "Behold, I have found only this, that God/ made men upright, but they have sought out many devices." Proverbs 3:32, "For the crooked man is an abomination to the Lord; But He/ is intimate with the upright." You asked "who among our brethren has been able to find that perfect balance..." Who indeed? Ecclesiastes 6:12, "For who knows what is good for a man during his lifetime, during the few years of his futile life? He will spend them LIKE A SHADOW. For who can tell a man what will be after him under the sun?" Eccl. 7:12, "For wisdom is [in a shadow] just as money is [in a shadow]." Eccle 8:13, "But it will not be well for the evil man and he will not lengthen his days LIKE A SHADOW, because he does not fear God." Please excuse me, gotta go pay some bills. :-) From the heart, Ray |