Good AND Bad

IN the OT reading today, Solomon makes some very insightful observations about life. However, NT believers will quickly point out that Solomon was inaccurate in his understanding of life and death.

One paragraph of particular interest also is found in Ecclesiastes 7.15-18:

I have seen everything in this meaningless life, including the death of good young people and the long life of wicked people. So don’t be too good or too wise! Why destroy yourself? On the other hand, don’t be too wicked either. Don’t be a fool! Why die before your time? Pay attention to these instructions, for anyone who fears God will avoid both extremes.

Avoid both extremes? The footnote for this gives an alternate meaning of "will follow them both". So, either way, it appears Solomon says that one who fears God will either avoid both being too good and being too bad or, if taking the alternate interpretation, the one who fears God will follow being too good and being too bad. Either way, what gives?

In the NT reading today, I noticed something that never before had I understood: Paul's reason for writing this second letter to the Corinthians.

Just see what this godly sorrow produced in you! Such earnestness, such concern to clear yourselves, such indignation, such alarm, such longing to see me, such zeal, and such a readiness to punish wrong. You showed that you have done everything necessary to make things right. My purpose, then, was not to write about who did the wrong or who was wronged. I wrote to you so that in the sight of God you could see for yourselves how loyal you are to us. We have been greatly encouraged by this. [II Corinthians 7.11-13a]

Paul was ecstatic about the relationships that had formed in these believers. At a time in my own life and journey when relationships are becoming increasingly more important, this finally stood out to me! Wow.

Father, help me to consider the things I have read today in the Bible. Help me to discern Your Word - that which Your Holy Spirit releases into my heart as I read what is on the page.