What does it mean to be overrighteous and overwise (Ecclesiastes 7:16)?

Answer

Ecclesiastes 7:16 states, “Do not be overly righteous, / neither be overly wise— / why destroy yourself?” Considering the Bible’s standard of righteousness and the value it places on wisdom, it may seem odd that Solomon would caution against being excessively righteous or too wise.

One clue to grasping this admonition against being overrighteous and overwise can be found in Ecclesiastes 7:15: “In this futile life of mine, I have observed both: / the righteous perishing in their righteousness, / and the wicked living long in their wickedness.” Solomon had witnessed both scenarios: individuals who had passed away while doing good deeds and others who had died while engaging in sin—and, even more troubling, persisting in sin for an extended period seemingly without consequences. Solomon reflects on the paradox of good people dying young while evil individuals live lengthy, sinful lives. This perplexes him and contributes to the “emptiness” of a life lived “under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:2-3).

It is important to also consider Ecclesiastes 7:17, as Solomon continues the train of thought initiated with the warning against being overly righteous and overly wise: “Do not be overly wicked, / and do not be a fool— / why die before your time?” Subsequently, verse 18 encapsulates the lesson: “The one who fears God will steer clear of all extremes.”

In summary, Solomon advocates for moderation in the fear of God. Avoid being excessively righteous, excessively wise, excessively wicked, or excessively foolish. Pursuing extremes will not lengthen one’s life or bring about the desired fulfillment.

However, what does it mean to be overly righteous and overly wise? Solomon evidently refers to something distinct from genuine righteousness and true wisdom. To be “overrighteous” is to seek a self-imposed righteousness based on outward compliance with regulations. “Overrighteousness” represents an extreme form of religious practice.Ty, perhaps characterized by asceticism, excessive strictness, and zealous observance of the details of man-made religion. The Pharisees in Jesus’ day were “overrighteous” in this manner; in their fanatical self-righteousness, they would “strain out a gnat but swallow a camel” «Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel. », (Matthew 23:24).

To be “overwise” is to consider oneself self-sufficient in matters of knowledge, especially concerning the things of God. “Overwisdom” will question God’s character and wisdom, speculate about His actions, and judge them based on one’s own “superior” wisdom. Job, a righteous man, was “overwise” when he started to question God, and God had to inquire, “Who is this that obscures my plans / with words without knowledge? / Brace yourself like a man; / I will question you, / and you shall answer me” (Job 38:2-3). Job’s response indicated that he had regained true wisdom: “I am unworthy—how can I reply to you? / I put my hand over my mouth” «Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer thee? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth. », (Job 40:4).

Self-righteousness has the potential to cause much harm. Matthew 23:5 provides an excellent summary of the behavior of the “overrighteous”: “Everything they do is done for people to see.” This kind of lifestyle is condemned by God as an attempt to be righteous in the wrong way.

In Joel 2:12–13, the Lord calls His people to move beyond external religion and righteousness and to truly return to Him: “Return to me with all your heart, / with fasting and weeping and mourning. / Rend your heart / and not your garments.” The Lord was less concerned with their sacrifices and external adherence to the Law than He was with the condition of their hearts.

Solomon knew better than most people the outcome of righteousness that did not arise from a heart that truly loves God. As king, he would have been familiar with the religious leaders of the temple he commissioned to have built in Jerusalem. Thousands of Levites served within its walls. Some certainly did so with a true heart of love for God, while others served with improper motives. Solomon’s words in Ecclesiastes 7:16 reflect the voice of one calling all of God’s people to live for Him with true righteousness and true wisdom. And the subsequent verses (Ecclesiastes 7:17-18) maintain the balance.

Though these themes are only briefly mentioned in Ecclesiastes, Solomon and others speak at length regarding true righteousness and wisdom in the book of Proverbs. Its opening words state that proverbs are “for gaining wisdom and instruction; / for understanding words of insight; / for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, / doing what is right and just and fair” (Proverbs 1:2-3). Proverbs 1:7 further adds, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, / but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”