Subscription Lists

Is there such a thing as being - or attempting to be - too "righteous"? Isn't it easier to conceive of being to wicked in some way, than it is to accept anything as being overly righteous. How could anyone be too righteous? Isn't that an impossibility? God is as righteous as is possible. And we realize from many scriptures in the Word of God that we are to grow up into a new creation expressing righteousness.

So how could Solomon write these words: "Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself ? Be not over much wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time?" - Encl 7:16-17

Part of the answer is found in the council of Paul to the Corinthians: "All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient...". (1 Corinthians 6:12}

The tension between out part and God's part in the life in Christ is illustrated in this statement.

In our lives, if we are surrendered to Jesus Christ, there is always a tension that we are not always aware or conscious of. Simply expressed, is asks: what is your part; and what is Christ's part?, That is, where does the responsibility for each begin and/or end?

God has so constructed our life in this flesh so as to not reveal a measurable definition of exactly what Christ will do in and for us, and exactly what our response should be in every circumstance of our lives. A child of God in this world has a similar position with Christ as a small child has with a parent. Many times, a parent will not tell a child what he or she should do. The only way the lesson will be learned - and more importantly - permanently remembered is in making a choice, and then leaning from the results.

Problems arise when we attempt to anticipate Him, jump to a conclusion concerning the best action to take. If we truly belong to Him and trust Him, we will learn and grow in His righteousness.

In either approach, there is the danger (sometimes subconsciously) of crossing the line, which will provoke God to intervene in a way so as to magnify and preserve His own righteousness, and His utter lack of wickedness. At the same time, He will show the lack of wisdom on our part in both extremes. The practical issue for Christians is to beware of extremes, and morbid strictness which engenders self righteousness, and criticisms and judgments of others.

The practical results of Solomon's comments are pictured in the counsel of Paul: " Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand. One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind." (Romans 14:4-5) Again Paul says: "Your personal convictions [on such matters]--exercise [them] as in God's presence, keeping them to yourself [striving only to know the truth and obey His will]. Blessed (happy, to be envied) is he who has no reason to judge himself for what he approves [who does not convict himself by what he chooses to do] .- (Romans 14:22 AMP)

Solomon is illustrating the absurdity of living a life of utter lack of restraint (wicked overmuch), which often leads to premature death He is also showing that being righteous overmuch occurs when striving to appear righteous, by either over emphasizing that which needs none, or rejecting that which also needs not to be rejected.; and, being wicked overmuch is presented in a juxtaposition to stress the lack of wisdom in either approach to life. The Apostle Paul describes his council to those in the Corinthian church who were struggling over similar issues: "All things are legitimate [permissible--and we are free to do anything we please], but not all things are helpful (expedient, profitable, and wholesome). All things are legitimate, but not all things are constructive [to character] and edifying [to spiritual life]." (1 Corinthians 10:23 AMP)

There are many things in your life that are neutral, but can become righteous overmuch, or overmuch wicked. To do or not do them is not sin, and neither are they righteous or unrighteous. Ironically, to be morbidly "righteous" can cross the line into sin, especially within the physical sphere of life. Notice Paul's comment: "Everything is permissible (allowable and lawful) for me; but not all things are helpful (good for me to do, expedient and profitable when considered with other things). Everything is lawful for me, but I will not become the slave of anything or be brought under its power." (1 Corinthians 6:12 AMP)

Be careful with choices. Be sure they are not "righteous overmuch", or "overmuch wicked". Why be destroyed, or die before your time? There is a practical way to living a Christian life. But there is no practical way to live a life in Christ by either extreme.

"For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil." - Ecclesiastes 12:14

"Chip Shots from the Ruff of Life" from Tom Kelley

The Curse is Gone