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.

ECCLESIASTES 7:18KJV
Know the Bible

Ecclesiastes 7:18 (KJV)

What does Ecclesiastes 7:18 mean?

Ecclesiastes 7:18 teaches that it is wise to hold onto balanced wisdom and not let go of either caution or boldness, because a person who respects God will be able to navigate all situations well. The verse encourages the reader to embrace both sides of wisdom, trusting that reverence for God will guide them through life’s complexities.

In Ecclesiastes, traditionally attributed to Solomon, the speaker addresses anyone seeking to live wisely in a complicated world. The verse comes in a section where the author warns against extremes and urges a healthy respect for God as the anchor. The message is practical: don’t cling to one approach or the other, but instead, keep a balanced perspective rooted in reverence for God.

The Hebrew behind Ecclesiastes 7:18

  • The word "good" (טוֹב, tov; H2896) here means something beneficial or desirable, highlighting that the advice given is not just morally right but also practically helpful.
  • "Hold" (אָחַז, 'achaz; H270) means to grasp or take firm possession, suggesting the reader should actively and intentionally embrace this teaching.
  • "Withdraw" (נָחָה, nachah; H3240) in this context means to let go or release, emphasizing that the reader should not let go of the other side of wisdom either.
  • "Feareth" (יָרֵא, yare'; H3373) describes someone who has deep respect or reverence for God, not just fear in the sense of being scared, but an attitude of awe that shapes wise living.

Why Ecclesiastes 7:18 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that wisdom means choosing only one path; instead, it stresses the importance of balance and holding onto both caution and boldness.
  • The emphasis on "he that feareth God" shows that respect for God is the foundation for navigating life’s uncertainties, not just human cleverness.
  • In the wider context of Ecclesiastes, this verse helps explain the book’s theme: life is unpredictable, so humility and reverence for God are the best guides through its challenges.

Where else these words appear

“this” Hebrew H2088 · used in 37 verses

  • Genesis 5:1 This is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him;
  • Exodus 13:3 And Moses said unto the people, Remember this day, in which ye came out from Egypt, out of the house of bondage; for by strength of hand the LORD brought you out from this place: there shall no leavened bread be eaten.
  • 1 Samuel 25:21 Now David had said, Surely in vain have I kept all that this fellow hath in the wilderness, so that nothing was missed of all that pertained unto him: and he hath requited me evil for good.

“hold” Hebrew H270 · used in 63 verses

  • Genesis 22:13 And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son.
  • 2 Samuel 2:21 And Abner said to him, Turn thee aside to thy right hand or to thy left, and lay thee hold on one of the young men, and take thee his armour. But Asahel would not turn aside from following of him.
  • Job 38:13 That it might take hold of the ends of the earth, that the wicked might be shaken out of it?

“feareth” Hebrew H3373 · used in 63 verses

  • Genesis 22:12 And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.
  • Psalms 15:4 In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.
  • Psalms 119:79 Let those that fear thee turn unto me, and those that have known thy testimonies.

“withdraw” Hebrew H3240 · used in 73 verses

  • Genesis 2:15 And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.
  • Judges 3:1 Now these are the nations which the LORD left, to prove Israel by them, even as many of Israel as had not known all the wars of Canaan;
  • Psalms 119:121 AIN. I have done judgment and justice: leave me not to mine oppressors.