Scripture Reading: Ecclesiastes 5:13-18

Living a Balanced Life

Intro.

1. Eccl. 7:15-18 has been called the “Golden Mean” since it describes and encourages the middle point between extremes.

a. Mean: “ Occupying a middle or intermediate position between two extremes” (thefreedictionary.com).

b. Wise to avoid the excesses of self-indulgence, Prov. 25:16 (23:4-8).

2. Solomon is not advocating “riding the fence,” compromising with error and sin, or remaining uncommitted, cf. 1 Kings 18:21.

3. He is advising we live in the balance of truth, not on the edges of unproductive, destructive (and sinful) extremism.

I. CONSIDER WHAT HAPPENS TO THE RIGHTEOUS AND THE WICKED, Eccl. 7:15.

A. Sometimes the Righteous Suffer and the Wicked Succeed on Earth.

1. Solomon observed this, Eccl. 8:14; 9:11-12.

2. Jesus lived this, 1 Pet. 2:21-22.

3. Israel complained against God because of it, Mal. 3:13-15.

4. God-fearers know God will judge righteously, Mal. 3:16-18; 2 Thess. 1:4-7.

B. Life’s Inequities Tempt Us to Overcompensate, Which Drives Us to Extremes, Eccl. 7:16-18. These extremes include:

1. Uber-righteousness (self-righteousness), 7:16; Luke 18:9-14.

a. Binding human traditions, Mark 7:8-13.

b. Establishing our own way of righteousness, Rom. 10:2-3.

2. The conceit of human wisdom, Eccl. 7:16; Rom. 12:3.

a. Becomes blind to truth, Rom. 1:22; 1 Cor. 1:18-24.

b. Becomes blind to its own futility, Col. 2:8, 21-23.

3. Deliberate wickedness that ignores God (skeptical selfishness), Eccl. 7:17; Ps. 10:4, 11; 14:1.

a. Presumptuous, willful sin, Ps. 19:13; Heb. 10:26-27.

b. Unattended sin gets worse and worse, 2 Tim. 3:13.
4. Foolish, non-committal indifference, Eccl. 7:17.

a. Hating knowledge is not a virtue, Prov. 1:22.

b. Leads to not fearing God and complacency that destroys,Prov. 1:29-33.

5. These extremes are unwise and unfulfilling, Eccl. 7:16-17.

II. FEARING GOD BRINGS BALANCE TO LIFE.

A. The Balance of Fearing God Avoids the Pitfalls of Extremes, Eccl. 7:18.

-Teaches us to have a realistic view of life on earth, and to focus on what to live for, Eccl. 8:12-13, 14-9:1; 12:13-14.

B. The Balanced Life Fears God and Obeys Him.

1. Seeks righteousness God approves, Eph. 4:22-24; 1 John 2:29; 3:7, 10.

2. Relies on wisdom from above, James 3:13-18.

3. Resists willful sin, 1 John 2:1; 1 Thess. 5:21-22.

4. Is not complacent about sin, 1 John 1:8-10; Heb. 2:1-3; 6:11-12. (Zealous, not negligent and apathetic)

Conclusion

1. Prosperity and adversity have their places in life on earth, Eccl. 7:13-14 (3:1); cf. Job 2:9-10.

2. They exist so we will consider God, seek Him and rely on Him instead of ourselves (since we are limited and finite), Matt. 6:33-34.

a. Begins by becoming a Christian.

b. Continues with a faithful life devoted to Christ.

By: Joe R. Price

Posted May 19, 2021