King James Version

What Does Ecclesiastes 7:16 Mean?

Ecclesiastes 7:16 in the King James Version says “Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself? destroy: Heb. be desolat...” — study this verse from Ecclesiastes chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself? destroy: Heb. be desolate?”

Ecclesiastes 7:16 · KJV

Context

14

In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: God also hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him. set: Heb. made

15

All things have I seen in the days of my vanity: there is a just man that perisheth in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man that prolongeth his life in his wickedness.

16

Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself? destroy: Heb. be desolate?

17

Be not over much wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time? before: Heb. not in thy time?

18

It is good that thou shouldest take hold of this; yea, also from this withdraw not thine hand: for he that feareth God shall come forth of them all.

Read Ecclesiastes 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise (אַל־תְּהִי צַדִּיק הַרְבֵּה וְאַל־תִּתְחַכַּם יוֹתֵר, al-tehi tsaddiq harbeh ve'al-titchakam yoter)—This paradoxical command has troubled interpreters. Does Solomon counsel moderation in righteousness? No—the issue is self-righteousness and hyper-scrupulosity. 'Over much' (harbeh yoter) suggests excess beyond God's requirements, creating burdensome legalism. The Pharisees exemplified this, adding traditions that obscured God's intent (Matthew 23:4, 23-24).

Why shouldest thou destroy thyself? (לָמָּה תִּשּׁוֹמֵם, lamah tishomem)—The verb tishomem means 'bring ruin upon yourself' or 'be desolated.' Self-righteous legalism destroys through pride, judgmentalism, and burden-bearing God never intended. Jesus warned against those who 'strain out a gnat and swallow a camel' (Matthew 23:24). The verse warns against religious performance that exceeds biblical requirement while missing biblical intention. True wisdom humbly fears God; false wisdom trusts in self-achieved righteousness.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish tradition developed extensive halakhic (legal) interpretations, many beneficial but some burdensome. Jesus confronted Sabbath regulations that prohibited healing (Mark 3:1-6) and ceremonial washings that replaced heart obedience (Mark 7:1-13). Paul fought legalists who added circumcision to grace (Galatians 5:1-6). Church history includes monastic extremes, ascetic excesses, and legalistic movements that equated godliness with man-made restrictions. The verse doesn't oppose genuine righteousness (Matthew 5:20, Philippians 3:8-9) but self-manufactured religiosity. The Reformers recovered this biblical balance: justified by faith alone, not works-righteousness. The 'already/not yet' tension means Christians pursue holiness (1 Peter 1:15-16) while acknowledging ongoing struggle (Romans 7:14-25) and complete dependence on grace.

Reflection Questions

  1. Where might you be practicing 'over righteousness'—creating standards beyond Scripture that burden yourself or judge others?
  2. How do you balance pursuing holiness with avoiding self-righteous pride or legalistic performance?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
אַל1 of 9
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תְּהִ֤י2 of 9
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

צַדִּיק֙3 of 9

“Be not righteous”

H6662

just

הַרְבֵּ֔ה4 of 9

“over much”

H7235

to increase (in whatever respect)

וְאַל5 of 9
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תִּתְחַכַּ֖ם6 of 9

“wise”

H2449

to be wise (in mind, word or act)

יוֹתֵ֑ר7 of 9

“neither make thyself over”

H3148

properly, redundant; hence, over and above, as adjective, noun, adverb or conjunction

לָ֖מָּה8 of 9
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

תִּשּׁוֹמֵֽם׃9 of 9

“why shouldest thou destroy”

H8074

to stun (or intransitively, grow numb), i.e., devastate or (figuratively) stupefy (both usually in a passive sense)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Ecclesiastes. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Ecclesiastes 7:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Ecclesiastes 7:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 12:3Proverbs 25:16Colossians 2:18Matthew 6:1-71 Corinthians 3:18Ecclesiastes 12:12

Test Your Knowledge

Ecclesiastes 7 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterEcclesiastes Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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