Ecclesiastes 7:17

Arabic SVD 1865 Version (Smith and Van Dyke)

لا تكن شريرا كثيرا ولا تكن جاهلا. لماذا تموت في غير وقتك.

What Does This Mean?

Ecclesiastes 7:17 warns against being excessively wicked or foolish because it can lead to an early death. The speaker is likely the Preacher, giving practical advice for a fulfilling life.

Explained for Children

Imagine you have a toy car that works best when you take care of it. If you're too rough with it or don't know how to play with it properly, it might break sooner. This verse is like that, telling us to be careful not to do things that might hurt us or shorten our time here.

Historical Background

Ecclesiastes was written by the Preacher, possibly King Solomon, in the late monarchic period of ancient Israel. The audience was likely the Israelites, and the cultural setting emphasized the pursuit of meaning and wisdom in life.

Living It Out Today

Consider a person who often engages in risky behaviors, such as reckless driving or substance abuse. This verse reminds us that such actions can have serious consequences and encourages us to live a balanced and thoughtful life.

Topics

• wisdom
• life
• consequences
• balance
• self-control
• sin

Related Verses

• Proverbs 3:11-12
• Romans 12:3
• Ecclesiastes 7:18
• 1 Corinthians 10:23
• Proverbs 29:1

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to be over much wicked?

Being 'over much wicked' means engaging in excessive evil or harmful actions that can lead to negative outcomes, including early death.

Why is foolishness mentioned in this verse?

Foolishness is mentioned to emphasize the importance of using wisdom in life, as foolish actions can lead to unnecessary risks and harm.

How does this verse relate to modern life?

This verse encourages modern individuals to avoid excessive risk-taking and foolish behavior, which can lead to harmful consequences, including shortened life spans.

Can you give an example of how to apply this verse in daily life?

An example would be making wise decisions regarding health, such as not abusing substances, which can prevent early death and lead to a longer, healthier life.