Thursday, December 6, 2012

Self-righteousness


16  Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself? 17 Be not over much wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time? 18 It is good that thou shouldest take hold of this; yea, also from this withdraw not thine hand: for he that feareth God shall come forth of them all. Ecclesiastes 7:16-18

Wow! that is a mouthful, but what exactly is Solomon saying in this portion of scripture? In the book, Be Satisfied, Warren Wiersbe says, “he was warning them against self-righteousness and the pride that comes when we think we have “arrived” and know it all.” When being honest with ourselves, before God, each of us might say, “I have been there.”

How can we get rid of this sin of “self-righteousness”? The answer is in verse 18, fear God. The Hebrew meaning of fear is morally reverent. When we fear God we realize that He is the God of gods and the Only One to fear.

Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul. Psalm 66:16 

Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. Proverbs 2:5 

Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. 2Corinthians 7:1 

Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king. 1Peter 2:17 

Let’s take the “self” out of righteousness and look on the pure righteousness of God.

Have a blessed day,
Donna

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