Living With Moderation

There's not much middle ground in our current culture of extremes.  Taking a reasonable approach to cultural hot-button issues is viewed as a weakness or as compromising by people on the right and the left of whatever issue is at stake. 

For example, you can't say that you're against abortion, but also acknowledge that women should have bodily autonomy.  You can't say that you support trans rights, but also have questions about trans athletes.  

If you try to take the middle ground, someone will call you out.  If you try to live in the tension between your convictions and doubts, you won't pass the litmus tests for being on one side or another.  

The extremes on both sides of the political and religious continuum seem to be controlling the narratives and continue lobbing rhetorical hand grenades at one another, but mostly striking those who try to inhabit the middle.  

I was reading through the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes in preparation for a class I've been teaching and I discovered something fascinating that speaks right into our historical moment.  

The Teacher in Ecclesiastes offers a striking observation about the dangers of extremes:

"In this meaningless life of mine I have seen both of these: the righteous perishing in their righteousness, and the wicked living long in their wickedness. 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. Whoever fears God will avoid all extremes." (Ecclesiastes 7:15-18)

This passage calls us to a balance that is sorely lacking in our cultural moment. 

We live in an age when extremes dominate the conversation. Political camps draw lines so sharply that neighbors become enemies. Ideological certainties are held with such fierceness that dialogue feels impossible. 

Even within faith communities, a rigid righteousness can sometimes alienate rather than welcome, while unchecked rebellion against wisdom can lead others down a path of self-destruction.

The Teacher reminds us that life is not sustained in such extremes. To be “overrighteous” is to assume we hold the fullness of truth, to place ourselves above others, and in so doing, to isolate ourselves. 

To be “overwicked” is to disregard wisdom and invite ruin upon ourselves. Both paths ultimately fail. Instead, we are urged to grasp wisdom without pride and to acknowledge human weakness without surrendering to it.

In our current divided culture, moderation is often mistaken for weakness or indecision. Yet Scripture tells us it is a mark of reverence for God. To avoid extremes is to acknowledge that only God holds perfect wisdom. 

Our task is to walk humbly, listen carefully, and engage others with respect—even when they differ from us. Paul echoes this spirit in Philippians 4:5: “Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” Gentleness is strength, not compromise.

The call to moderation does not mean abandoning convictions, but it does mean holding them with humility. We can stand for truth while resisting the urge to demonize. We can seek justice without forgetting mercy. We can proclaim faith without weaponizing it against others.

As you navigate conversations in faith, politics, or daily life, consider how your words and actions reflect God’s wisdom. The fear of the Lord—the awe-filled respect of God’s presence—guides us away from destructive extremes and into life-giving balance.

Prayer:
God of wisdom, teach me to walk in humility and moderation. Guard me from the dangers of arrogance and despair, and guide me to live with balance, gentleness, and respect for others. May my words and actions reflect Your presence. Amen.

Reflection Questions:

1. Where do I notice myself leaning toward extremes in my beliefs or actions?

2. How can humility help me hold convictions without becoming rigid or self-righteous?

3. What practices might help me cultivate moderation and gentleness in my daily interactions?