Commentaries:
Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown
HOLDEN makes Ecclesiastes 7:16 the scoffing inference of the objector, and Ecclesiastes 7:17 the answer of Solomon, now repentant. So (I Corinthians 15:32) the skeptic's objection; (I Corinthians 15:33) the answer. However, "Be not righteous over much," may be taken as Solomon's words, forbidding a self-made righteousness of outward performances, which would wrest salvation from God, instead of receiving it as the gift of His grace. It is a fanatical, pharisaical righteousness, separated from God; for the "fear of God" is in antithesis to it (Ecclesiastes 7:18; Ecclesiastes 5:3, Ecclesiastes 5:7; Matthew 6:1-7; Matthew 9:14; Matthew 23:23-24; Romans 10:3; I Timothy 4:3).
over wise— (Job 11:12; Romans 12:3, Romans 12:16), presumptuously self-sufficient, as if acquainted with the whole of divine truth.
destroy thyself—expose thyself to needless persecution, austerities and the wrath of God; hence to an untimely death. "Destroy thyself" answers to "perisheth" (Ecclesiastes 7:15); "righteous over much," to "a just man." Therefore in Ecclesiastes 7:15 it is self-justiciary, not a truly righteous man, that is meant.
Other Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown entries containing Ecclesiastes 7:16:
Ecclesiastes 7:15
Ecclesiastes 7:16
Ecclesiastes 7:17
Ecclesiastes 7:18
Ecclesiastes 7:20
Ecclesiastes 7:21
Ecclesiastes 7:21
Ecclesiastes 7:23
Ecclesiastes 7:23
Ecclesiastes 8:14
Ecclesiastes 8:16
Ecclesiastes 12:13
DISCLAIMER: Church of the Great God (CGG) provides these resources to aid the individual in studying the Bible. However, it is up to the individual to "prove all things, and hold fast to that which is good" (I Thessalonians 5:21). The content of these resources does not necessarily reflect the views of CGG. They are provided for information purposes only.