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Holier Than Thou
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5. Better to be criticized by a wise person than to be praised by a fool.
6. A fool’s laughter is quickly gone, like thorns crackling in a fire. This also is meaningless.
7. Extortion turns wise people into fools, and bribes corrupt the heart.
8. Finishing is better than starting. Patience is better than pride.
9. Control your temper, for anger labels you a fool.
10. Don’t long for “the good old days.” This is not wise.
11. Wisdom is even better when you have money. Both are a benefit as you go through life.
12. Wisdom and money can get you almost anything, but only wisdom can save your life.
13. Accept the way God does things, for who can straighten what he has made crooked?
14. Enjoy prosperity while you can, but when hard times strike, realize that both come from God. Remember that nothing is certain in this life. Ecclesiastes 7:5-14
Sam is repulsed by his neighbor Doug, an outspoken Christian. Doug is always calling attention to his good deeds and overly stating his revulsion toward immorality and decadence. Most of the neighbors call him obnoxious. The kinder ones say he’s just trying too hard.
This reading exposes some “negative” aspects of goodness and wisdom. Can you have too much of a good thing? Apparently so.
There is additional insight on meaningless activities; on work and earning money; and on fame, death, sorrow, and happiness. You will also find some sober advice on how to enjoy life, even when everything seems meaningless.
“Don’t be too good or too wise!” (Ecclesiastes 7:16). That’s a warning against religious conceit—taking pride in your goodness or righteousness. How can a person be too righteous or too wise? Some people invent grand schemes for appearing righteous and accomplish nothing in the process. They sit atop poles, deny themselves food, give up pleasurable things, and pursue other drastic steps that do little more than ruin their health. “Why destroy yourself?” Solomon asks.
Don’t lose sight of true goodness—honoring God—in favor of a nearly suicidal effort to make yourself artificially perfect. Do whatever God asks of you, and leave it at that.
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