Ecclesiastes
I have seen everything during my 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. Do not be excessively righteous and do not be overly wise. Why should you ruin yourself? Do not be excessively wicked and do not be a fool. Why should you die before your time? It is good that you grasp one thing and also not let go of the other; for the one who fears God comes forth with both of them. Wisdom strengthens a wise man more than ten rulers who are in a city. Indeed, there is not a righteous man on earth who continually does good and who never sins. Ecclesiastes 7:15-20 NASB 1995
Why would Solomon say, “Do not be excessively righteous . . . Do not be excessively wicked…?” Are we not to reject wickedness and embrace righteousness. (Romans 6). Solomon explains: “Indeed, there is not a righteous man on earth who continually does good and who never sins.” Imagine that: righteous people who sin. Sinners who are righteous! How can it be? You know: God “made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21). You are fully righteous in Christ. To attempt to increase righteousness in yourself is to regard what He has done as insufficient. Therefore, “Do not be excessively righteous.”
On the other hand, “do not be excessively wicked and do not be a fool. Why should you die before your time?” The fool says, “Since I am a sinner anyway, I might as well go out and sin.” That brings death. The wise man puts down his sinful nature so that he does not become “excessively wicked.”
Always remember that you are a sinner and that you are a saint. “The one who fears God comes forth with both of them.” Recognize what you are and don’t try to be more: more sinful or more saintly. Let Jesus take care of both, removing the sin and bestowing the righteousness.
O Lord, I am a sinner. Forgive me and help me to avoid more sin. O Lord, I am righteous. Help me to avoid thinking that I can add to what Christ has done for me. Amen.