Words to thrive by...

If you have listened to me teach much at all, then you know that I love the book of Ecclesiastes. It's so relevant and timely it could have been written at Starbucks by one of our own cultural interpreters. Like the unexpected appearance of an old friend in a season of loneliness, it's truth refreshes the soul and anchors perspective.

This morning I was reading in Ecclesiastes 5, 6 and 7 when two sets of verses leapt off the page to flag me down and remind me of the way to peace and abundance.

Ecclesiastes 7:16-18 says ...

"Do not be overrighteous, neither be overwise--why destroy yourself? Do not be overwicked, and do not be a fool--why die before your time? It is good to grasp the one and not let go of the other. The man who fears God will avoid all extremes."

Ahhh balance! Stay in the middle. Not too high, not too low. REMEMBER: this too, shall pass--whatever "this" is, good or bad, it won't last forever. So don't marginalize yourself or alienate others by dwelling in the extremes of overbearing righteousness or wisdom. Don't kill yourself for pleasure. Keep your wits about you. Remember who you are. Fear God and avoid all extremes. That's a good word!

And in the interests of avoiding extremes and not jumping to conclusions, Ecclesiastes 7:21-22 says ...

"Do not pay attention to every word people say, or you may hear your servant cursing you--for you know in your heart that many times you yourself have cursed others."

When we are hurting we look to hurt others--it's human nature. So there will be times when we wander into the crosshairs of people who are looking for relief at someone else's expense. Don't pay them any attention! Don't waste your time keeping score or feasting on their poison. They don't mean it anymore than you do when you curse them. Let it go. You'll be happier for it.

Bottom line ...

Avoid extremes!

Fear God!

Don't coddle the curses!

Now those are words to thrive by!