Clear and Obvious
15 I have seen everything in this meaningless life, including the death of good young people and the long life of wicked people. 16 So don’t be too good or too wise! Why destroy yourself? 17 On the other hand, don’t be too wicked either. Don’t be a fool! Why die before your time? 18 Pay attention to these instructions, for anyone who fears God will avoid both extremes. Ecclesiastes 7:15-18
Ever read something in the Bible you just can’t understand?
Don’t know what the “Teacher” means in these four verses.
The contradiction is extreme, don’t like either: good or wicked.
““Let things that are clear in Scripture control your thinking…
rather than the things that are unclear.” (Pastor John Piper.)
How often do we fixate on the unclear, minor issues…
Then ignore the obviously clear, significant, and key Bible truths?
Like: “Be holy because your Father in heaven is holy.”
“Fear God, obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty.”
“I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”
8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Philippians 4:8
HOWEVER-these words from the teacher are clear…and obvious: