15 I have seen everything during my [k]lifetime of futility; there is a righteous man who perishes in his righteousness and there is a wicked man who prolongs his life in his wickedness. 16 Do not be excessively righteous and do not be overly wise. Why should you ruin yourself? 17 Do not be excessively wicked and do not be a fool. Why should you die before your time? 18 It is good that you grasp one thing and also not [l]let go of the other; for the one who fears God comes forth with [m]both of them.
19 Wisdom strengthens a wise man more than ten rulers who are in a city. 20 Indeed, there is not a righteous man on earth who continually does good and who never sins. 21 Also, do not [n]take seriously all words which are spoken, so that you will not hear your servant cursing you. 22 For [o]you also have realized that you likewise have many times cursed others.
We’ve likely all seen what Solomon describes in v. 15, the righteous die too soon, and the wicked seem to keep right on going. However, the conclusion Solomon reaches seems a little strange. Do not be too righteous or overly wise… can there be such a thing? Others have said that it may be Solomon showing the worldly perspective, and then answering in v. 17 with the rebuttal.
But there are clues in v. 20 and v. 22 that lend credence to the other idea, that Solomon is indeed telling us not to be too righteous, or rather, to avoid self-righteousness. While God’s wisdom strengthens us, there is still no man who “continually does good and who never sins.” (v. 20). Then, we are admonished not to take too seriously the negative things others might say about us. After all, which of us has never said anything negative about someone else? At times, these aren’t even things we really mean or believe, we may be venting as our emotions have gotten the better of us.
In either case, the point is that we cannot be righteous on our own. Jesus confirmed this when he told us no one could come to the Father except through him. None of our deeds, and not even the most faithful and contrite sacrifices of Israel, could save any of us. Their faith in God’s grace was the only hope of Israel, and it is our only hope, albeit a strong and true hope.
So, when you’re feeling good about yourself, and think you’re doing this life pretty well, watch out! Remember that you have God to thank for such success, and give Him all the glory. And if you’re toiling through the muck again, as we all do, reach out to Him as well. Let God’s mighty hand pull you out, clean you up, and put your “feet on the Rock”. There is only one who can save, and we are not Him. Remember it well, and give thanks for His love and grace always.