Ecclesiastes 7:18
French (La Bible expliquée)
Il est bon de suivre à la fois ces deux conseils, car celui qui respecte Dieu ne doit pas tomber dans l'excès. Le monde a été faussé: il n'est pas tel qu'il devrait être. Le juste, comme Abel, perd la vie. Le méchant, comme Caïn, prolonge sa vie sur terre. Deux penchants ne cessent de lutter en chacun de nous. Comment distinguer le bien du mal quand on sait que même le désir de bien faire peut provoquer le pire? Pour le Sage, il ne faut être ni Caïn, ni Abel. Le bonheur est dans la mesure et dans le respect de Dieu.
What Does This Mean?
The verse is advising that it is beneficial to hold onto the fear of God and not let go. It suggests that this attitude will help one overcome all situations. The speaker is believed to be King Solomon, emphasizing the importance of piety and trust in God.
Explained for Children
Imagine holding onto a big, strong balloon. This verse says it's good to keep holding onto that balloon because it will help you through tough times. The balloon represents being respectful and fearing God, and the verse is saying that if you keep holding onto that balloon, you'll be okay no matter what happens.
Historical Background
This verse is part of Ecclesiastes, traditionally attributed to King Solomon. It was written in the post-exilic period, around the 5th century BCE, and was intended for the Jewish community returning from exile in Babylon. The cultural setting was one of re-establishing faith and community identity in a new era.
Living It Out Today
In a modern scenario, imagine someone facing a difficult decision at work. Instead of panicking, they remember this verse and decide to trust in God’s guidance and wisdom, which helps them navigate through the tough situation confidently.
Topics
fear of Godperseverancewisdomfaithtrusting Godovercoming trials
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'take hold of this' in Ecclesiastes 7:18?
To 'take hold of this' means to grasp and keep the practice of fearing God and being respectful of divine guidance in life.
Why is it emphasized not to withdraw one's hand from this practice?
Withdrawing one's hand could mean giving up on the practice of fearing God. The verse emphasizes that this practice is essential for overcoming challenges.
How does fearing God help in overcoming all situations?
Fearing God, or having a deep respect for God, gives a sense of guidance and support, making it easier to face and overcome various challenges.
Who wrote Ecclesiastes and what was the context?
Ecclesiastes is traditionally attributed to King Solomon. It was written to guide the Jewish community returning from Babylonian exile, helping them re-establish their faith and identity.