Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself ?
Don't be overly righteous, and don't try to be too wise - why would you want to destroy yourself?
The writer is warning against becoming so extreme in righteousness or wisdom that it becomes harmful to yourself.
📚 Historical Context
Ecclesiastes is traditionally attributed to King Solomon, a wise king of ancient Israel who reflected on the futility of human pursuits and the importance of fearing God. In this verse, he warns against an overzealous approach to righteousness or wisdom, which could lead to self-destruction, possibly drawing from observations of how extremes in behavior often backfired in his own life. This advice fits into the book's broader theme of seeking balance and moderation amidst life's vanities.
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