Is That In The Bible? 13

~ All Things in Moderation ~

Many concepts are in the Bible—even though the exact wording is not.  For example consider the statement: “All things in moderation.”  This is a tricky one.  On the one hand if taken to the extreme, for example to sin in moderation, then it is clearly false with regard to the overall teaching of Scripture.  However, with regard to good things the concept of not going to extreme in any one area is found in Scripture. 

Scripture  ~  “I have seen everything in my days of vanity: there is a just man who perishes in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man who prolongs life in his wickedness.  Do not be overly righteous [pious], nor be overly wise [arrogant]:  Why should you destroy yourself?  Do not be overly wicked, nor be foolish [Hebrew poetry often contrasts a previous statement]:  Why should you die before your time?  It is good that you grasp this, and also not remove your hand from the other; for he who fears God will escape them all” (Ecclesiastes 7:15-18).

“Let your moderation be known unto all men” (Philippians 3:21a, KJV). 

Comment  ~  Do you live a life of appropriate balance?  If not, what needs to change?  Are you willing to make the effort to change?

Note  ~  A previous Abundant Life Now post entitled “Balance” (published on June 29, 2017) provides a little more explanation of this passage.  

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

NOTES:

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(2)     There is an INDEX of all ALN posts accessed by scrolling down the left column.

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Balance

~ Avoid Extremes! ~

Scripture  ~  “I have seen everything in my days of vanity: there is a just man who perishes in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man who prolongs life in his wickedness.  Do not be overly righteous, nor be overly wise: Why should you destroy yourself?  Do not be overly wicked, nor be foolish: Why should you die before your time?  It is good that you grasp this, and also not remove your hand from the other; for he who fears God will escape them all” (Ecclesiastes 7:15-18). 

Comment  ~  This difficult passage of Scripture is seldom discussed or used as a text for sermons.  Solomon is noting what we all learn: life on earth in man’s fallen state is not fair! 

Solomon is not saying balance your spiritual life with some carnal activities.  Rather, he is warning about a “holier-than-thou” attitude, showing off your spirituality (i.e., “when you pray enter into your closet”—Matthew 6:6), or pseudo—Christianity.  The word righteous here carries the thought of conceit or “thinking you are righteous” (i.e., forgetting you are a sinner saved by grace—Ephesians 2:5-8).  The word wise also carries the thought of pride or “thinking you are wise.”  The fear of God is the beginning of true wisdom (Psalm 111:10; Proverbs 9:10).

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW 

NOTES:

(1)     The current TOP 10 ALN posts are listed at the very bottom of this home page.

(2)     There is an INDEX of all ALN posts accessed by scrolling down the left column.

(3)     You may LINK to any ALN posts on your own blog or website. 

(4)     You may COPY any ALN post, but please credit ALN as the source by prominently displaying the following statement:  Reprinted from “Abundant Life Now,” a free blog which offers inspiring moments, thought-provoking comments, and solid Biblical insight at http://RobertLloydRussell.blogspot.com/ .