The Balance of Wisdom and Righteousness

Introduction: The Paradox of Life

Have you ever looked at the world and felt like things just don’t make sense? Like the righteous suffer while the wicked prosper? Ecclesiastes 7:15 begins with this kind of observation:

“In this meaningless life of mine I have seen both of these: the righteous perishing in their righteousness, and the wicked living long in their wickedness.”

The Teacher is giving voice to something many of us have felt. Life isn’t always fair. Good people suffer. Corrupt people seem to thrive. And in the face of this apparent injustice, the Teacher doesn’t give us a simple answer. Instead, he invites us into a deeper wisdom—a kind that avoids extremes and calls us to a humble walk with God.

Something the author will comeback to

Ecclesiastes 7:15–29

Ecclesiastes 7:15–29 NIV

15 In this meaningless life of mine I have seen both of these: the righteous perishing in their righteousness, and the wicked living long in their wickedness. 16 Do not be overrighteous, neither be overwise— why destroy yourself? 17 Do not be overwicked, and do not be a fool— why die before your time? 18 It is good to grasp the one and not let go of the other. Whoever fears God will avoid all extremes. 19 Wisdom makes one wise person more powerful than ten rulers in a city. 20 Indeed, there is no one on earth who is righteous, no one who does what is right and never sins. 21 Do not pay attention to every word people say, or you may hear your servant cursing you— 22 for you know in your heart that many times you yourself have cursed others. 23 All this I tested by wisdom and I said, “I am determined to be wise”— but this was beyond me. 24 Whatever exists is far off and most profound— who can discover it? 25 So I turned my mind to understand, to investigate and to search out wisdom and the scheme of things and to understand the stupidity of wickedness and the madness of folly. 26 I find more bitter than death the woman who is a snare, whose heart is a trap and whose hands are chains. The man who pleases God will escape her, but the sinner she will ensnare. 27 “Look,” says the Teacher, “this is what I have discovered: “Adding one thing to another to discover the scheme of things— 28 while I was still searching but not finding— I found one upright man among a thousand, but not one upright woman among them all. 29 This only have I found: God created mankind upright, but they have gone in search of many schemes.”

The Confusing Reality of Life

Let’s start with verses 15–18:

“Do not be overrighteous, neither be overwise—why destroy yourself? Do not be overwicked, and do not be a fool—why die before your time? It is good to grasp the one and not let go of the other. Whoever fears God will avoid all extremes.”

This sounds strange at first. Isn’t righteousness always a good thing? Isn’t wisdom something we should pursue without limit? Isn’t that the goal?

What does it mean to be “overrighteous” or “overwise”?

The Teacher isn’t saying we should stop pursuing righteousness or wisdom.

Instead, he’s warning against self-righteousness and arrogance. Those who think they can earn God’s favor by their good deeds alone can fall into a trap of pride and legalism.

On the other hand, those who give themselves over to foolishness and sin will also destroy themselves.

The key is in verse 18:

“Whoever fears God will avoid all extremes.”

This phrase—“fears God”—is significant. While the idea of fearing God (or YHWH) is common throughout the Hebrew Bible, especially in the Wisdom Literature, the particular Hebrew phrase used here—yǝrē’ ’ĕlōhîm—is much rarer. Aside from its use in Genesis and Job, Ecclesiastes 7:18 is the only place this exact phrase appears in the book. As J. Richard Middleton notes: — J. Richard Middleton, Abraham’s Silence (Baker Academic, 2021), 184.

That means when we think of some one who fears God a God fearer we should be thinking of Abraham after he nearly sacrifices his son and Job.

The God-fearer is not one who lives by extremes, but one who walks the middle path of humble reverence—trusting God even when life feels unjust or unclear. Some one whose allegiance to God is constant, even in suffering, without need for reward.

But they have moved from an initial, somewhat immature fear of God to a position where godly fear drives their vigorous interaction with God, their covenant partner even when questioning.

Illustration: Think of it like walking a narrow mountain path. Lean too far to one side or the other, and you risk falling. But if you keep your eyes forward, stay steady, and follow the trail, you’ll make it safely. That’s the life of wisdom—keeping your footing by fearing God.

The Strength and Limits of Wisdom

Next, verses 19–22 teach us about the strength and limits of wisdom:

“Wisdom makes one wise person more powerful than ten rulers in a city.” “Indeed, there is no one on earth who is righteous, no one who does what is right and never sins.”

Wisdom is a great gift. It protects, strengthens, and guides. But even the wisest person is still human—still flawed. No one is perfect. We all sin.

Then comes a very practical piece of wisdom:

“Do not pay attention to every word people say, or you may hear your servant cursing you— for you know in your heart that many times you yourself have cursed others.”

This is a call to humility and grace. Don’t be so quick to take offense. We’ve all said things we regret. We’ve all failed others. The wise person learns to let some things go.

Application: When someone speaks harshly of you, when you’re tempted to judge or condemn, remember your own shortcomings. Remember God’s grace toward you—and extend that same grace to others. That’s wisdom.

The Search for Meaning and the Corruption of Humanity

Finally, in verses 23–29, the Teacher reflects on his search for meaning:

“All this I tested by wisdom and I said, ‘I am determined to be wise’—but this was beyond me.” “…I found that God created mankind upright, but they have gone in search of many schemes.”

Despite all his searching, the Teacher couldn’t find full understanding. He sought wisdom and meaning in everything, but he discovered a deeper truth: people are broken. God made us upright, but we’ve twisted His design.

There’s a sobering realism here. The world is fallen. People, even the best of us, are prone to sin. We can’t find ultimate answers just by our own reason or morality.

But this realization doesn’t leave us in despair—it drives us to humility. It reminds us that we need God. We need grace. We need to walk in faith, not self-reliance.

Next Steps: Walking Humbly with God

The message of Ecclesiastes 7 is clear: Life is not simple. It’s full of paradoxes and unanswered questions. But instead of reacting with pride, legalism, or recklessness, we’re invited to walk a path of humble wisdom.

Don’t be self-righteous—no one is perfect.

Don’t give in to foolishness—it leads to destruction.

Fear God, trust Him, and live with grace toward others.

That’s the balance of wisdom and righteousness.

Application Points

Live with grace toward others. No one is without sin. Be slow to take offense and quick to forgive.

Avoid extremes. Wisdom is found not in perfection, but in humble dependence on God.

Walk humbly with God. Trust His ways even when life doesn’t make sense.

Questions for Further Discussion

Why do you think Ecclesiastes warns against being “overly righteous”?

How can wisdom help us avoid both legalism and lawlessness?

What does it look like to live with grace and humility toward others in your relationships this week?

Let us walk in wisdom—not our own, but God’s. And may our humility reflect the grace we’ve received through Jesus Christ, who became for us wisdom from God—our righteousness, holiness, and redemption (1 Cor. 1:30).

Bibliography

Hubbard, David A., and Lloyd J. Ogilvie. Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon. Vol. 16 of The Preacher’s Commentary Series. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc, 1991. Moore, David G., and Daniel L. Akin. Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs. Edited by Max Anders. Vol. 14. Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2003. Lohfink, Norbert. A Continental Commentary: Qoheleth. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2003. Cone, Christopher. Life Beyond the Sun: An Introduction to Worldview & Philosophy through the Lens of Ecclesiastes. Ft. Worth, TX: Tyndale Seminary Press, 2009.

https://fablesofaesop.com/the-miser-and-his-gold.html

Middleton, J. Richard. Abraham’s Silence: The Binding of Isaac, the Suffering of Job, and How to Talk Back to God. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic: A Division of Baker Publishing Group, 2021.

Youtube

Here’s a YouTube description for your sermon on Ecclesiastes 7:15–29 titled "The Balance of Wisdom and Righteousness":

🎙️ The Balance of Wisdom and Righteousness 📖 Ecclesiastes 7:15–29 🗓️ Sermon by Pastor Ryan 🏛️ Laughlin Community Church

In this message, Pastor Ryan explores the Teacher's sobering reflections in Ecclesiastes 7:15–29. Why do the righteous sometimes suffer while the wicked thrive? How do we avoid the extremes of legalism and foolishness? This sermon uncovers the rare biblical call to be a "God-fearer"—yǝrē’ ’ĕlōhîm—and encourages us to walk humbly with God, living with grace and wisdom in a broken world.

💡 Key Themes:

The paradox of justice and suffering

Avoiding extremes in life

The rarity of the “God-fearer” in Scripture (see Ecclesiastes 7:18)

Living with humility, grace, and reverent trust in God

📚 Special insight from J. Richard Middleton's *"Abraham’s Silence: The Binding of Isaac, the Suffering of Job, and How to Talk Back to God" (Baker Academic, 2021)

🙌 Let this message help you find balance, peace, and purpose in the middle of life’s uncertainties.

🔔 Subscribe for more sermons and teachings: https://www.youtube.com/@LaughlinCommunityChurch

🌐 Visit our website: https://laughlinchurch.com

📲 Download the app for devotionals, events, and Bible studies: https://laughlinchurch.com/download-the-app

📘 Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaughlinChurch

📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laughlincommunitychurch/

#Ecclesiastes #Wisdom #FearGod #Sermon #BibleTeaching #LaughlinChurch #Balance #Righteousness #Grace #Humility

Notes

Absolutely, Pastor Ryan. Here's a print-ready sermon notes page designed to encourage engagement and reflection as you preach Ecclesiastes 7:15–29: "The Balance of Wisdom and Righteousness." This layout includes space for fill-in-the-blanks, personal reflection, and takeaway application.

📝 Sermon Notes: The Balance of Wisdom and Righteousness

Text: Ecclesiastes 7:15–29 Pastor Ryan | Laughlin Community Church Theme: Avoiding extremes in life by walking humbly with God Main Application: Live with grace and humility before God and others

📖 Scripture Insight

“Whoever fears God will avoid all extremes.” — Ecclesiastes 7:18 🟩 The Hebrew phrase for “God-fearer” (yǝrē’ ’ĕlōhîm) is rare—found in Genesis, Job, and here in Ecclesiastes. It speaks of someone who walks in reverent humility before God.

📌 Key Points

Life isn't always ______________. (v. 15)

The righteous may suffer, the wicked may succeed.

Avoid ______________ righteousness and ______________ wisdom. (v. 16)

This speaks to the danger of spiritual pride or legalism.

Don’t give yourself to ______________ or ______________. (v. 17)

Foolish living leads to destruction.

The one who ______________ God avoids all ______________. (v. 18)

The path of wisdom is one of humble reverence.

True wisdom leads to ______________, not arrogance. (vv. 19–22)

Wisdom makes us stronger, but also reminds us no one is perfect.

Despite all searching, human wisdom is ______________. (vv. 23–29)

“God created mankind upright, but they have gone in search of many schemes.”

🔍 Reflection Questions

Have you ever been frustrated when life didn’t seem fair?

In what areas of your life are you tempted toward extremes—either harsh judgment or careless living?

What does it mean for you to walk in humility before God this week?

🧠 Word Study Note

“God-fearer” — yǝrē’ ’ĕlōhîm (יְרֵא אֱלֹהִים)

Used rarely in the Hebrew Bible

Represents a person who humbly trusts God rather than leaning on self-righteousness or folly

See: Gen. 22:12; Job 1:1; Ecc. 7:18

Source: J. Richard Middleton, Abraham’s Silence (Baker Academic, 2021), p. 184

🙌 Personal Application

🖊️ In what ways is God calling you to:

Show grace to someone this week?

Let go of judgment or offense?

Trust Him rather than trying to figure everything out?

🧭 This Week’s Challenge

✔ Practice letting go of one offense or disappointment. ✔ Memorize Ecclesiastes 7:18. ✔ Pray daily: “Lord, help me walk in wisdom and humility.”

Would you like this formatted as a printable PDF handout or a digital version for your church app?

Bible Study

Here's a 4-day Bible study to accompany your sermon on Ecclesiastes 7:15–29: "The Balance of Wisdom and Righteousness." It helps your congregation reflect on the text throughout the week, incorporate Hebrew word studies, and prepare for the next message. Each day includes Scripture, a short teaching, a Hebrew word study, reflection questions, and a life application prompt.

🧭 Bible Study: Walking in Humble Wisdom

Based on Ecclesiastes 7:15–29 Length: 4 Days Purpose: To deepen understanding of Ecclesiastes 7:15–29, apply its teaching to daily life, and prepare hearts for continued study in Ecclesiastes.

📅 Day 1 – When Life Doesn’t Make Sense

Read: Ecclesiastes 7:15

"In this meaningless life of mine I have seen both of these: the righteous perishing in their righteousness, and the wicked living long in their wickedness."

Reflection: The Teacher is disturbed by a world where things don’t always add up. If God is just, why do the righteous suffer? Why do the wicked seem to thrive? These are ancient questions that still resonate today.

Hebrew Word Study:

“Hevel” (הֶבֶל) – translated “meaningless” or “vanity.” This word appears over 30 times in Ecclesiastes. It literally means “vapor” or “breath.”

Reflection: Life is not meaningless, but fleeting, mysterious, and hard to grasp.

Questions:

Have you experienced times when doing what’s right didn’t seem to pay off?

How do you reconcile that with your faith in a just God?

Life Application: Write a short prayer of honest lament to God. Tell Him about a time when life didn’t make sense, and ask Him to give you trust in the midst of it.

📅 Day 2 – Avoiding Extremes

Read: Ecclesiastes 7:16–18

“Do not be overrighteous, neither be overwise... Do not be overwicked, and do not be a fool... The one who fears God will avoid all extremes.”

Reflection: The Teacher warns against living in extremes—both legalistic self-righteousness and reckless sin. Instead, we’re called to fear God, living in reverent balance.

Hebrew Word Study:

“Yarēʾ ’ĕlōhîm” (יְרֵא אֱלֹהִים) – “God-fearer”

Rare phrase found here, Gen. 22:12 (Abraham), and Job 1:1 (Job).

Describes someone who honors God with reverence, humility, and trust.

J. Richard Middleton notes that this rare phrase points to someone who avoids both arrogance and recklessness by living wisely before God. — Abraham’s Silence, p. 184

Questions:

Are you prone to extremes—perfectionism, pride, people-pleasing, or careless behavior?

What does it mean for you personally to “fear God” in daily life?

Life Application: Identify one area where you need to pull back from an extreme. Ask God for grace to walk in humble balance.

📅 Day 3 – No One is Righteous

Read: Ecclesiastes 7:19–22

“Indeed, there is no one on earth who is righteous, no one who does what is right and never sins.”

Reflection: The Teacher acknowledges that even the wisest and most righteous people fall short. True wisdom leads to humility, not pride.

Hebrew Word Study:

“Tzaddiq” (צַדִּיק) – “righteous”

Often refers to someone who aligns with God’s will.

In this passage, the emphasis is not on perfection but on awareness of our human limits.

Questions:

Do you give grace to others as God gives grace to you?

How can admitting your own sinfulness help you grow in humility?

Life Application: Think of someone who has frustrated or offended you. Pray for them today. Reflect on how God’s grace toward you can shape how you treat others.

📅 Day 4 – The Search for Meaning

Read: Ecclesiastes 7:23–29

“God made mankind upright, but they have gone in search of many schemes.”

Reflection: The Teacher searches for wisdom but finds complexity. Humanity was created good but turned to self-reliance and rebellion. We need more than wisdom—we need redemption.

Hebrew Word Study:

“Chishvonot” (חִשְּׁבֹנוֹת) – “schemes” or “inventions”

Implies twisted or self-serving plans. The opposite of uprightness.

Humanity substitutes cleverness for righteousness.

Questions:

What “schemes” do you tend to lean on to control life?

How can you return to a posture of simple trust and obedience?

Life Application: As you prepare for next week’s sermon, commit to a week of simplicity—one intentional act of humility, generosity, or surrender each day.

🙏 Prayer to Close the Week:

“Lord, I want to walk in wisdom—not as someone who knows it all, but as one who fears You. Help me live with grace, humility, and trust even when life doesn’t make sense. Amen.”

Would you like this study formatted into a printable or app-friendly format for your congregation?