When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, a man cannot discover anything about his future.
In this meaningless life of mine I have seen both of these: a righteous man perishing in his righteousness, and a wicked man living long in his wickedness.
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. The man who fears God will avoid all extremes. ~ Ecclesiastes 7:14-7:18 (NIV)

 

Overrighteous. Overwicked.
Overwise. A fool.
Why not “overfoolish?”
Are there degrees of foolhardiness?
Fear God so you will avoid extremes.
But what about the church at Laodicea?
What about “would that you were hot or cold
but you’re neither so I’ll spit you out?”
Damned if we do and damned if we don’t?
Hey, The Teacher suggests we all go to the
same place.
Grasp one, hold onto the other.
Choose your position without becoming a robotic follower
of an outspoken leader.
Fear God, and be yourself.

God, I want to see the big picture,
to work for the right causes.
Lead me to your causes
and give me the wisdom and power
to do your work.