Shalom, beloved of God! Let’s explore a powerful truth from God’s Word.
The Bible says in Ecclesiastes 7:16:
“Do not be overly righteous, nor be overly wise—why should you destroy yourself?” (NKJV)
At first glance, this verse can be confusing. Isn’t righteousness a good thing? Doesn’t God call us to pursue holiness and wisdom? Why would Scripture warn us not to be too righteous or too wise?
To understand this verse, we must look beyond surface meaning. Ecclesiastes is part of the Wisdom Literature in the Bible, written to help us live wisely and humbly in a broken world. Here, the writer—believed to be Solomon—is not saying we should avoid righteousness or wisdom. Instead, he is warning against self-righteousness and pride in human wisdom, which can lead to spiritual downfall.
1. The Danger of Self-Righteousness
Being “overly righteous” in this context refers to self-righteousness—the attitude of someone who believes they are more moral, holy, or superior to others. This kind of righteousness isn’t grounded in God’s grace but in personal pride. It’s the kind of thinking that leads people to look down on others and boast in their own spiritual achievements.
Jesus condemned this attitude in the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector:
“He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: ‘Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector… The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: “God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector…”’”
—Luke 18:9–14 (NIV)
Jesus concluded by saying that the humble man—not the self-righteous one—went home justified before God. This shows us that true righteousness comes from humility and faith, not from exalting ourselves above others.
2. The Folly of Being “Overly Wise”
The verse also warns us not to “be overly wise.” This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t seek godly wisdom—Proverbs is full of exhortations to do just that (Proverbs 4:7). But when a person becomes proud of their knowledge, thinking they are wiser than others—or even wiser than God’s Word—they become spiritually blind.
Paul warns us in 1 Corinthians 8:1:
“…Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.”
And again in Romans 12:3:
“Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.”
When we elevate ourselves through knowledge or spiritual gifts, we become blind to our need for grace and correction. In fact, those who think they know everything become unteachable, and that pride can lead to destruction (see Proverbs 16:18).
3. Examples from Scripture
The Pharisees and Sadducees are classic examples. They had deep knowledge of the Scriptures and prided themselves on religious observance. Yet they were blind to the truth when Jesus, the very Messiah they were waiting for, stood before them. In their self-righteousness, they rejected Him and ultimately sought His death (John 5:39–40, Matthew 23:27–28).
This is what Ecclesiastes 7:16 warns against—righteousness and wisdom that are disconnected from humility, love, and dependence on God. That path leads not to life, but to self-destruction.
4. Grace, Not Performance
As believers, we are called to pursue righteousness—but not through self-effort or comparison with others. We are made righteous by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”
—Ephesians 2:8–9 (NIV)
We are to walk humbly with God, remembering that everything we have—gifts, wisdom, holiness—comes from Him (see James 1:17, 1 Corinthians 4:7).
5. A Word of Caution and Hope
If you’re a pastor, a prophet, a teacher, or someone who operates in spiritual gifts—such as healing, wisdom, or miracles—remember this truth:
“Do not be overly righteous…” (Ecclesiastes 7:16)
Stay humble. Do not let your spiritual maturity make you feel superior to others. Even your best works are the result of God’s mercy, not your own effort.
“All our righteous acts are like filthy rags…”
—Isaiah 64:6 (NIV)
Boast only in the cross of Christ.
“Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”
—1 Corinthians 1:31
6. An Invitation to Salvation
If you have not yet received Jesus as Lord, this message is for you too. The world is heading toward sudden change and judgment. The Bible says God’s wrath will be poured out on those who reject His Son (Revelation 16). But now is the time of salvation!
“Now is the day of salvation.”
—2 Corinthians 6:2
No matter your past—whether it includes addiction, sexual sin, pornography, abortion, profanity, pride, vanity, or anything else—Jesus is ready to forgive you. But you must come to Him in repentance. Turn from sin. Ask for mercy. He will forgive you.
“Whoever comes to me I will never drive away.”
—John 6:37
Repent sincerely. Delete worldly music, indecent pictures, ungodly contacts, and throw out anything that leads you away from God. This is not legalism—it is true surrender.
Then be baptized in water—in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38)—and ask the Holy Spirit to fill you and guide you. He will give you power to live a new life, to overcome sin, and to grow in holiness.
When you do this from the heart, you will be born again (John 3:3), and you will be ready when Christ returns.
“Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!”
—Revelation 19:9
