Ecclesiastes 7:18
It is good that thou shouldest take hold of this; yea, also from this withdraw not thine hand: for he that feareth God shall come forth of them all.
Ecclesiastes 7:18 (KJV)
Context
Ecclesiastes 7:18 concludes a short section of wisdom sayings in which the Preacher, traditionally King Solomon, warns against two opposite errors: being “righteous over much” and being “wicked over much” (Ecclesiastes 7:16-17). The verse urges the reader to grasp and hold fast the balanced path of wisdom that avoids both extremes.
Meaning
“It is good that thou shouldest take hold of this” points to the instruction just given—to avoid the pitfalls of self-righteousness and reckless sin. The verse does not specify every detail, but the surrounding passage makes clear that the good to be embraced is the wise, God-fearing path. “Yea, also from this withdraw not thine hand” reinforces the need for perseverance: once the good has been taken, the passage warns against abandoning it, urging steadfast commitment to what is right and beneficial.
The concluding clause, “For he that feareth God shall come forth of them all,” provides the motivation for such perseverance. The fear of God—understood as reverence, awe, and deep respect for His commandments—enables a person to emerge safely from all these dangers and extremes. This is not moral compromise or a middle ground between good and evil; rather, it is a wise balance that avoids the errors of human religiosity and human folly.
Application
Believers are called to hold firmly to godly wisdom and not let go of it, trusting that the fear of God will protect them from both self-righteousness and careless sin. By embracing the balanced path of wisdom, they can anticipate fulfillment and triumph across various aspects of life.
Reflection
As Ecclesiastes presents a wide range of philosophical musings, it should be read in light of the broader biblical narrative. Consulting different translations can also reveal subtle nuances, offering a more comprehensive understanding of this timeless counsel.
