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"Do not be overly righteous nor be overly wise" (Ecclesiastes 7:16). Could you please explain this verse?

In this verse 7:16 Solomon warns against falling into extremes, even if these extremes were seemingly good; for example, striving to be extremely righteous and extremely virtuous.

To understand this verse, we need to look at the content of this chapter. In verses, 11-22, Solomon, recommends wisdom as the best antidote against those mental ailments to which we are prone. Wisdom is certainly equally beneficial to saints and sinners.

1- With regard to saints, it will protect them against going to extremes in their endeavor to achieve righteousness. "A just man may perish in his righteousness." This means that while in the process of acquiring righteousness, you should govern yourself by the rules of prudence and not be carried away into any intemperate passion.  Overdoing in well doing could occur. Self-denial and mortification of the flesh are good, but if practicing them too far puts our health at stake, thus rendering ourselves unfit for the service of God, then we are being over righteous and mistaken.

Do not be over wise, opinionated, judgmental, nor self conceited. Do not be pretentious trying to legislate rules for all those around you,nor critical finding fault in every thing that is said or done. Do not concern yourself with others’ matters as if you are the know- all and the can do everything;nor too much boastful of your own justice and wisdom.

2- With regard to sinners, if wisdom does not help them forsake their sins, at least it might restrain them from growing very exorbitant. It is true there is a wicked man who prolongs his life in wickedness (v. 15), but not for so long, nor as he wishes.

The main theme of the Holy Book of Ecclesiastes is how to properly and realistically evaluate life. We have seen that prosperity is not always good and that adversity is not always bad. In this section we learn two great truths, the first that the righteous are not always righteous; and the second that true wisdom is hard to find.

Verses 16-19 seem to advocate moderation in both good and evil. He seems to advise us not to be too righteous, nor too wicked; but to choose moderation in everything. In trying to understand this, we must notice very carefully what the verse says. The second verb of verse 16: "Do not make yourself over-wise" is the key to understanding. The verse is warning against being wise in one’s own eyes. This is a warning to people who consider themselves righteous, notwithstanding their weaknesses and the things in which they are amiss. King Solomon calls that wickedness. In the Holy Book of Job, we learn that wickedness resides not only in murder, theft and sexual misconduct, but also in bigotry, racism, critical judgment, harsh sarcastic words and vindictive actions.

Each of these life styles is mutually self-destructive. "Why do you destroy yourself?" He asks the self-righteous. "Why should you die before your time?" He inquires of the self-indulgent. In both cases, self-destruction is the ultimate outcome.

The Holy Book of Ecclesiastes occupies a unique position in the Holy Bible. It has special relevance today in our materialistic society; because it helps us reflect upon the vanity of many earthly pursuits.

King Solomon is offering wise suggestions as to how to arm ourselves against the mischief inflicted on us by the world and by our own self because of ignorance of what is right and what is wrong.