Ecclesiastes 7:18

KJV

[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.

KJV (with Strong's)

It is good {H2896} that thou shouldest take hold {H270} of this; yea, also from this {H2088} withdraw {H3240} not thine hand {H3027}: for he that feareth {H3373} God {H430} shall come forth {H3318} of them all.

Complete Jewish Bible

Don't grasp just one of these rules; take hold of the other as well; for he who is in fear of God will live by both of them.

Berean Standard Bible

It is good to grasp the one and not let the other slip from your hand. For he who fears God will follow both warnings.

American Standard Version

It is good that thou shouldest take hold of this; yea, also from that withdraw not thy hand: for he that feareth God shall come forth from them all.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ecclesiastes 7:18 offers profound wisdom, advocating for a balanced and persistent approach to life's complexities, particularly in the face of apparent injustices and paradoxes. It counsels the reader to firmly grasp and not abandon the moderate wisdom presented, asserting that ultimate security and deliverance from life's trials are found in a reverent relationship with God. This verse serves as a crucial anchor in Qoheleth's exploration of life "under the sun," providing a theological foundation amidst the often-perplexing realities of existence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ecclesiastes 7:18 functions as a pivotal summary and directive within a chapter that grapples with the enigmatic nature of wisdom and folly, righteousness and wickedness. Preceding this verse, Qoheleth presents a series of paradoxical observations: the day of death is better than the day of birth, sorrow is better than laughter, and the end of a thing is better than its beginning (Ecclesiastes 7:1-8). Crucially, verses 15-17 directly precede our text, highlighting the perplexing reality that "there is a righteous man who perishes in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man who prolongs his life in his evildoing." This observation challenges conventional wisdom that links righteousness directly to prosperity. In response, Qoheleth advises against being "overly righteous" or "overly wicked," suggesting a path of moderation and prudence. Verse 18 then synthesizes this counsel, urging the reader to "take hold of this" balanced wisdom and "not withdraw thine hand," grounding this practical advice in the ultimate truth that "he that feareth God shall come forth of them all." It's a call to steadfastness in wisdom, rooted in divine reverence, amidst life's often-contradictory experiences.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Ecclesiastes, attributed to Qoheleth (traditionally Solomon), reflects the intellectual and spiritual struggles of a wise leader grappling with the meaning of life in a world that often seems chaotic and unjust. Written likely during a period of relative peace and prosperity, the text nonetheless confronts the existential anxieties of human experience, including the apparent randomness of fate and the limitations of human wisdom. The cultural context is one where traditional Deuteronomic theology, which often linked obedience directly to blessing and disobedience to curse, was being tested by lived experience. Qoheleth's observations resonate with a common human dilemma: how to reconcile divine justice with empirical reality. The counsel to "fear God" (Hebrew: *yir'at Elohim*) was a foundational concept in ancient Israelite wisdom literature, signifying not a cowering terror but a profound reverence, awe, and obedient respect for the Creator. This concept was considered the "beginning of knowledge" in texts like [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge") and [Psalm 111:10](/psalms/111-10 "Psalm 111:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom"), serving as the ultimate anchor in a world of uncertainties.
* **Key Themes:** Ecclesiastes 7:18 encapsulates several overarching themes central to Qoheleth's message and biblical wisdom literature. The primary theme is **Wisdom and Moderation**, as the phrase "take hold of this" directly refers to the balanced and temperate approach to life advocated in the preceding verses (Ecclesiastes 7:15-17). It's about discerning practical wisdom and applying it consistently, avoiding extremes of self-righteousness or reckless abandon. Closely linked is **Perseverance**, conveyed by the admonition "withdraw not thine hand." This signifies persistence and commitment; true wisdom is not a fleeting understanding but a principle to be firmly grasped and lived out continually, even when life presents confusing circumstances or temptations to deviate from the path of prudence. The cornerstone of the verse's promise is **The Fear of God**. This concept, *yir'at Elohim*, denotes a profound reverence, awe, and obedient respect for the Almighty, shaping one's choices and conduct. It is consistently presented in biblical wisdom literature as the foundation for true knowledge and understanding, as seen in [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom"). Finally, the verse promises **Divine Preservation and Deliverance**: "for he that feareth God shall come forth of them all." This 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, suggesting a divine safeguard amidst worldly complexities, echoing sentiments found in [Psalm 34:19](/psalms/34-19 "Psalm 34:19 - Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **good (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_):** This word, derived from a primitive root, signifies "good" in its widest sense, encompassing concepts like beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, pleasant, and prosperous. In Ecclesiastes 7:18, it denotes that the counsel offered—to take hold of this wisdom and not withdraw—is indeed beneficial, advantageous, and morally sound for navigating life's challenges. It's a declaration of the inherent value and positive outcome of adhering to this path.
* **take hold (Hebrew, _ʼâchaz'_):** This primitive root means "to seize," often with the accessory idea of "holding in possession." It implies a firm, intentional grasp, not a casual or fleeting engagement. In this context, it conveys the necessity of actively and deliberately embracing the balanced wisdom Qoheleth has just presented, making it one's own and integrating it into one's life. It suggests commitment and appropriation.
* **feareth (Hebrew, _yârêʼ'_):** Derived from the root *yârêʼ*, meaning "to fear," this term, when applied to God, transcends mere terror. It signifies a profound reverence, awe, and respectful obedience. It is a moral posture of submission to God's authority and recognition of His sovereignty and holiness. This "fear" is the foundation of wisdom and right living, leading to a life aligned with divine principles rather than human caprice.
* **come forth (Hebrew, _yâtsâʼ'_):** This primitive root means "to go out" or "to come out," with a wide variety of applications including to appear, escape, or proceed. In Ecclesiastes 7:18, it carries the strong implication of emerging successfully, being delivered, or being preserved through difficult circumstances. It suggests a triumphant or safe passage through the "all" (referring to the various trials, paradoxes, and snares of life), indicating divine protection and ultimate vindication for the one who fears God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"It is good that thou shouldest take hold of this":** This opening clause serves as a strong affirmation and imperative. "Good" (Hebrew: *ṭôwb*) emphasizes the beneficial and wise nature of the preceding counsel, particularly the balanced approach to righteousness and wickedness (Ecclesiastes 7:15-17). "Take hold" (Hebrew: *ʼâchaz*) signifies a firm, deliberate grasp, urging the reader to actively and intentionally appropriate this wisdom, making it a guiding principle for life. "This" refers to the specific, moderate wisdom just articulated by Qoheleth, which acknowledges life's paradoxes without succumbing to extremes.
* **"yea, also from this withdraw not thine hand":** This clause reinforces the first through negative parallelism, emphasizing persistence. "Yea, also from this" reiterates the object of the counsel—the balanced wisdom. "Withdraw not thine hand" (Hebrew: *yânach* and *yâd*) is a powerful idiom for not letting go, not abandoning, and not ceasing to apply this wisdom. It speaks to the necessity of steadfastness and continuous commitment, even when circumstances are challenging or confusing. It's a call to perseverance in the path of prudence and reverence.
* **"for he that feareth God shall come forth of them all":** This final clause provides the theological rationale and ultimate promise for adhering to the counsel. The "fear of God" (Hebrew: *yârêʼ Elohim*) is presented as the foundational posture. It implies a reverent, obedient, and worshipful relationship with the Almighty, acknowledging His sovereignty and justice. The promise is that such an individual "shall come forth" (Hebrew: *yâtsâʼ*) successfully, safely, or victoriously "of them all"—referring to the various trials, paradoxes, temptations, and confusing circumstances Qoheleth has been describing throughout the chapter and book. This signifies divine preservation and ultimate deliverance, not necessarily from experiencing hardship, but from being ultimately overcome by it.

#### Literary Devices
Ecclesiastes 7:18 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically **Synonymous Parallelism**, in the first two clauses: "It is good that thou shouldest take hold of this; yea, also from this withdraw not thine hand." Both phrases convey the same core idea of firmly grasping and maintaining the wisdom. This repetition serves to emphasize the imperative nature of the counsel and the importance of perseverance. The use of **Metonymy** is evident in "withdraw not thine hand," where "hand" (Hebrew: *yâd*) represents one's active engagement, effort, or commitment. To not withdraw the hand symbolizes unwavering dedication and persistence in applying the wisdom. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Proverbial Statement**, offering a concise, general truth about life, characteristic of wisdom literature. It also presents a form of **Contrast** or **Resolution** within the broader context of Ecclesiastes 7, where Qoheleth has highlighted life's paradoxes (e.g., the righteous perishing). Verse 18 then offers a resolution, suggesting that despite these apparent contradictions, the fear of God provides a pathway to ultimate deliverance and understanding, thereby providing a theological anchor amidst the book's pervasive **Irony** and **Paradox**.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ecclesiastes 7:18 stands as a theological anchor in Qoheleth's often-skeptical exploration of life "under the sun." It firmly establishes the "fear of God" as the ultimate compass for navigating a world filled with paradoxes and apparent injustices. While human wisdom and moderation are valuable, they are insufficient on their own. It is the reverent awe and obedience to God that provides true stability, preservation, and the ability to "come forth" successfully from life's myriad challenges. This verse bridges the gap between Qoheleth's observations of human futility and the enduring truth of divine sovereignty, asserting that a right relationship with God is the key to enduring and even thriving amidst the "vanity" of existence. It underscores a central biblical truth: ultimate security and meaning are found not in human striving or understanding, but in humble submission to the Creator.

* [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge")
* [Psalm 34:19](/psalms/34-19 "Psalm 34:19 - Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all")
* [Deuteronomy 10:12-13](/deuteronomy/10-12 "Deuteronomy 10:12-13 - What the Lord requires: Fear, Walk, Love, Serve, Keep")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world that often feels as chaotic and paradoxical as the one Qoheleth describes, Ecclesiastes 7:18 offers timeless and profoundly practical guidance. It calls us to cultivate a balanced approach to life, avoiding extremes of self-righteousness or reckless abandon, and to persevere in applying this wisdom. More importantly, it reminds us that our ultimate stability and deliverance do not hinge on our perfect execution of wisdom, but on our reverent relationship with God. When we prioritize the "fear of God"—a deep awe, respect, and obedience—we are equipped to navigate life's inevitable ups and downs, its confusing injustices, and its tempting detours. This verse encourages us to hold fast to biblical truth and God-given wisdom, trusting that even when we don't understand the "why" behind our circumstances, our faithful walk with God ensures our ultimate emergence and preservation. It's a call to steadfast faith and humble reliance on the One who is sovereign over all.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I tend towards extremes (overly righteous or overly wicked) rather than a balanced, God-centered approach?**
* **How does my understanding of "the fear of God" influence my daily decisions and my response to life's challenges?**
* **What specific "this" (wisdom or truth) has God given me to take hold of, and how can I ensure I "withdraw not my hand" from it?**
* **How does the promise that "he that feareth God shall come forth of them all" provide comfort and hope in the face of current difficulties or injustices?**

### FAQ
**What does "take hold of this" refer to in Ecclesiastes 7:18?**

Answer: "This" refers directly to the balanced and moderate wisdom Qoheleth has just presented in the preceding verses, particularly Ecclesiastes 7:15-17. In those verses, he observes the paradoxes of life—the righteous perishing and the wicked prospering—and advises against being excessively righteous or excessively wicked. Therefore, "take hold of this" means to firmly grasp and apply this practical wisdom of moderation, prudence, and discernment in navigating life's complexities, rather than succumbing to extremes or despair. It's about finding a wise middle ground rooted in a proper perspective on life [under the sun](/ecclesiastes/1-3 "Ecclesiastes 1:3 - What profit has a man from all his labor?").

**What does "fear God" mean in the context of Ecclesiastes and the Old Testament?**

Answer: In the Old Testament, particularly in wisdom literature, "the fear of God" (Hebrew: *yir'at Elohim*) does not primarily mean a cowering terror or fright. Instead, it signifies a profound reverence, awe, and respectful obedience toward God. It involves acknowledging God's supreme power, holiness, and sovereignty, which naturally leads to a desire to live in accordance with His will and commands. This reverential fear is presented as the foundation of true wisdom, knowledge, and a righteous life, enabling one to navigate the world wisely and find favor with God. It is the antithesis of foolishness and self-reliance, and is consistently praised as the [beginning of wisdom](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ecclesiastes 7:18, with its emphasis on holding fast to wisdom and the ultimate security found in fearing God, finds its profoundest fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Qoheleth grapples with the paradoxes of life "under the sun," the New Testament reveals the ultimate wisdom, not as a principle to grasp, but as a person to embrace. Christ Himself is the [wisdom of God](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God"), in whom "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Colossians 2:3). The "this" we are to take hold of is ultimately Christ and His teachings, which embody the perfect balance of grace and truth. Furthermore, the "fear of God" is perfectly exemplified in Jesus's obedient life and sacrificial death, as He perfectly honored and submitted to the Father's will even unto the cross (Philippians 2:8). The promise that "he that feareth God shall come forth of them all" is gloriously realized in Christ's resurrection, where He triumphed over sin, death, and all the "vanities" of this fallen world (1 Corinthians 15:54-57). For those who are "in Christ," by faith, they too "come forth" not just from earthly trials, but from the ultimate judgment and the power of sin, experiencing the new life and eternal deliverance He secured (Romans 6:4; John 5:24). Thus, Ecclesiastes 7:18 points us to the One who is our wisdom, our perseverance, and our ultimate deliverance.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.