Ecclesiastes 7 18

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.

Ecclesiastes 7:18 nkjv

It is good that you grasp this, And also not remove your hand from the other; For he who fears God will escape them all.

Ecclesiastes 7:18 niv

It is good to grasp the one and not let go of the other. Whoever fears God will avoid all extremes.

Ecclesiastes 7:18 esv

It is good that you should take hold of this, and from that withhold not your hand, for the one who fears God shall come out from both of them.

Ecclesiastes 7:18 nlt

Pay attention to these instructions, for anyone who fears God will avoid both extremes.

Ecclesiastes 7 verses

Ecclesiastes 7 18 Meaning

Ecclesiastes 7:18 encourages a balanced and discerning approach to life, emphasizing the importance of holding onto what is good and right while simultaneously avoiding the pitfalls of extremes. It advises embracing practical wisdom ("grasp this") without neglecting the broader realities and considerations ("not withdraw your hand from the other"). The verse asserts that true security and successful navigation through life's complexities and paradoxes are found in reverently fearing God, who provides the ultimate safeguard and guidance.

Ecclesiastes 7 18 Context

Ecclesiastes chapter 7 presents a series of paradoxical observations and practical proverbs about wisdom, folly, suffering, prosperity, and the limitations of human understanding. Verses 15-18 specifically grapple with the apparent injustices of life where the righteous suffer, and the wicked thrive (v.15). The Preacher, or Qoheleth, advises against adopting extreme behaviors: "Be not overly righteous, and do not make yourself too wise" (v.16) and "Be not overly wicked, neither be a fool" (v.17). This context sets up verse 18 as the balanced solution, providing the way forward through life's complexities by means of a foundational principle—the fear of God. Historically, wisdom literature in ancient Israel aimed to guide people in living well and prudently, navigating a world that was often morally ambiguous and challenging. Ecclesiastes frequently deconstructs purely humanistic views of happiness or wisdom, pointing instead to a transcendent understanding rooted in God.

Ecclesiastes 7 18 Word analysis

• It is good that you grasp this:

  • "grasp" (Hebrew: אֱחֹז, ’eḥōz): An imperative verb, meaning "take hold of," "clasp," "seize," or "cling to." It denotes active appropriation, not mere passive understanding. It implies that the wisdom or counsel presented (likely the previous discussion about wisdom, righteousness, and prosperity) should be firmly adopted and applied.
  • "this": Refers to the preceding counsel, especially regarding walking in righteousness (Eccl 7:16). It represents embracing the path of wisdom and integrity.

• and also not withdraw your hand from the other:

  • "not withdraw your hand" (Hebrew: אַל־תַּנַּח יָדְךָ, ’al-tannaḥ yadkhā): This is a negative imperative meaning "do not let your hand rest" or "do not let go of." It emphasizes continuous engagement and the avoidance of neglecting something crucial. The imagery of the hand implies active involvement and retention.
  • "from the other" (Hebrew: גַּם־מִזֶּה, gam-mizzeh): Literally "also from this (one)." It refers back to the other side of the practical counsel, specifically about not being excessively wicked or a fool (Eccl 7:17). More broadly, it means not neglecting the realities or necessities of the world, maintaining a pragmatic approach, or balancing ideals with practicality.

• for he who fears God:

  • "he who fears God" (Hebrew: יְרֵא אֱלֹהִים, yirē’ ’ělōhîm): A central concept in biblical wisdom literature. This phrase denotes not terror, but a profound reverential awe, respect, and obedience toward the Creator. It encompasses moral integrity, trust in divine sovereignty, and a life lived in accordance with God's revealed will. This reverence provides a moral compass and a foundation for wisdom that transcends human understanding and experience.

• will come forth from them all:

  • "will come forth" (Hebrew: יֵצֵא, yēṣē’): A verb meaning "to go out," "come out," "proceed," or "escape." In this context, it implies successful emergence, endurance, or deliverance from challenges and difficulties.
  • "from them all" (Hebrew: אֶת־כֻּלָּם, ’eṯ-kullām): Refers to "all" the dilemmas, pitfalls, complexities, and extremes discussed in verses 15-17. This includes the dangers of extreme self-righteousness, extreme wickedness, or the overall uncertainties and injustices of life "under the sun."

• Words-group analysis:

  • "It is good that you grasp this, and also not withdraw your hand from the other": This phrase encapsulates the principle of a "middle path" or balanced wisdom. It is an exhortation to integrate contrasting pieces of wisdom rather than adhering rigidly to one extreme. It implies discernment—knowing when to apply righteous principles and when to exercise prudence or recognize human limitations in a complex world.
  • "for he who fears God will come forth from them all": This clause provides the ultimate key to navigating life's inherent paradoxes and challenges. The "fear of God" acts as the guiding principle that enables an individual to transcend the perils of both excessive zeal and cynical abandon. It is the spiritual foundation that grants discernment and protects one from being destroyed by the difficulties of living righteously in a flawed world, or by the allure of total disregard for morality. It implies divine protection and successful navigation, not an easy life, but one of spiritual integrity and enduring purpose.

Ecclesiastes 7 18 Bonus section

The advice in Ecclesiastes 7:18 implicitly critiques two common human tendencies: the first is an overly idealistic or legalistic approach that fails to acknowledge the world's complexities and can lead to a judgmental spirit or self-righteous despair when faced with injustice; the second is a purely pragmatic or cynical view that dismisses all moral guidelines and plunges into excess. Qoheleth, though often seen as skeptical, consistently returns to the "fear of God" as the anchor that resolves life's deepest paradoxes (as seen again in Eccl 12:13). This verse, therefore, promotes a mature, resilient, and faith-centered wisdom that is both discerning of earthly realities and unwavering in its spiritual foundation.

Ecclesiastes 7 18 Commentary

Ecclesiastes 7:18 offers a profound solution to the existential struggles articulated by Qoheleth concerning the elusive nature of justice and the limitations of human wisdom. Following the admonitions against extreme righteousness or wickedness in verses 16-17, this verse acts as a synthesis, providing the foundational principle for true successful living. It is not advocating for moral relativism or indifference. Instead, "grasping this" refers to upholding righteous and wise principles, while "not withdrawing your hand from the other" refers to maintaining a practical and discerning engagement with the realities of life, avoiding naivety, rigid legalism, or cynical detachment. The ultimate safeguard and guide in this balancing act is the "fear of God." This fear is not paralyzing dread, but a reverent awe and obedience that frames one's entire perspective and conduct. It allows an individual to avoid the spiritual dangers of self-righteousness, which can lead to self-destruction, as well as the moral perils of outright rebellion and foolishness. The God-fearing person is uniquely equipped to "come forth" or emerge safely and successfully from all the complexities, moral dilemmas, temptations, and paradoxical injustices encountered "under the sun." It underscores that human wisdom alone is insufficient; true thriving requires a divine orientation that provides stability and clarity amidst life's uncertainties.