Ecclesiastes 7:18

Ecclesiastes 7:18 offers a pivotal piece of wisdom in a chapter filled with profound, sometimes perplexing, observations about life's ironies and paradoxes. The Preacher, often referred to as Qoheleth, provides counsel on navigating the complexities of existence under the sun.

Context

This verse serves as a summary and a crucial directive following a discussion on life's apparent unfairness. In Ecclesiastes 7:15-17, the Preacher notes that righteous people sometimes perish in their righteousness, and wicked people prolong their lives in their wickedness. He advises against being excessively righteous or excessively wicked, suggesting a path of moderation. Verse 18 then tells the reader to "take hold of this" (referring to the balanced wisdom just presented) and not "withdraw thine hand," emphasizing perseverance in this approach. It highlights the ultimate security found not in human extremes, but in a reverent relationship with God.

Key Themes

• Wisdom and Moderation: The phrase "take hold of this" directly refers to the balanced and temperate approach to life advocated in the preceding verses. It's about discerning wisdom and applying it consistently, avoiding extremes of self-righteousness or recklessness.
• Perseverance: "Withdraw not thine hand" signifies persistence and commitment. True wisdom isn't a fleeting understanding but a principle to be firmly grasped and lived out continually, even when life presents confusing circumstances or temptations to deviate.
• The Fear of God: This is the cornerstone of the verse's promise. The Hebrew phrase yir'at Elohim (fear of God) here denotes not a cowering terror, but a profound reverence, awe, and obedient respect for the Almighty. It is consistently presented in biblical wisdom literature as the beginning of true knowledge and understanding.
• Divine Preservation and Deliverance: The promise, "for he that feareth God shall come forth of them all," assures that the individual who lives in reverent obedience to God will be preserved, delivered, or emerge successfully from all the challenges, paradoxes, and snares of life that the Preacher has described. It suggests a divine safeguard amidst worldly complexities.

Linguistic Insights

The term "fear of God" (Hebrew: yir'at Elohim) is central to the wisdom literature of the Old Testament. It encompasses not just an intellectual acknowledgment of God's power, but a practical, active reverence that shapes one's choices and conduct. This reverential awe leads to wisdom, prudence, and ultimately, a path of safety and blessing. To "come forth of them all" (Hebrew: yetzei et-kullam) implies successfully navigating or being delivered from the various trials, temptations, and confusing situations of life.

Practical Application

Ecclesiastes 7:18 offers immense comfort and practical guidance for contemporary life. In a world that often pulls us towards extremes—be it radical ideologies, consumeristic excess, or spiritual apathy—the verse calls us back to a balanced, God-centered approach. It reminds us that true security and success are not found in human striving or rigid adherence to self-made rules, but in a humble, reverent relationship with God. When we prioritize this "fear of God," we are equipped to navigate life's inevitable paradoxes and emerge, by His grace, whole and preserved. It encourages us to hold fast to biblical wisdom, trusting that God's way is the path to ultimate deliverance and flourishing.