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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comJamieson Fausset Brown Commentary - Ecclesiastes 7:16 - 7:16
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Holden makes Ecc 7:16 the scoffing inference of the objector, and Ecc 7:17 the answer of Solomon, now repentant. So (1Co 15:32) the skeptic’s objection; (1Co 15:33) the answer. However, “Be not righteous over much,” may be taken as Solomon’s words, forbidding a self-made righteousness of outward performances, which would wrest salvation from God, instead of receiving it as the gift of His grace. It is a fanatical, pharisaical righteousness, separated from God; for the “fear of God” is in antithesis to it (Ecc 7:18; Ecc 5:3, Ecc 5:7; Mat 6:1-7; Mat 9:14; Mat 23:23, Mat 23:24; Rom 10:3; 1Ti 4:3).
over wise - (Job 11:12; Rom 12:3, Rom 12:16), presumptuously self-sufficient, as if acquainted with the whole of divine truth.
destroy thyself - expose thyself to needless persecution, austerities and the wrath of God; hence to an untimely death. “Destroy thyself” answers to “perisheth” (Ecc 7:15); “righteous over much,” to “a just man.” Therefore in Ecc 7:15 it is self-justiciary, not a truly righteous man, that is meant.