Solomon presents a profound paradox in Ecclesiastes 7:15, where a just man perishes in his righteousness, while a wicked man prolongs life in his wickedness. This paradox, a circumstance contrary to expectation, creates a sharp irregularity that puzzles the righteous, prompting questions about why such a situation exists and where God's promised blessings are. In Ecclesiastes 7:16-17, Solomon connects this paradox to a stern warning: Do not be overly righteous, nor overly wise, for why should you destroy yourself? Likewise, do not be overly wicked, nor foolish, for why should you die before your time? This caution highlights the danger of super-righteousness, a misguided response to the paradox that can arise from assuming punishment as the cause of troubles, leading to destructive pride and a lack of humility before God. Solomon's solution in Ecclesiastes 7:18 advises holding firmly to the counsel against super-righteousness while maintaining restraint from sin, ensuring control over one's character is not lost.

Solomon in Ecclesiastes 7:15-18 warns against the peril of super-righteousness as a misguided response to life's paradoxes. Becoming overly righteous is a form of hubris, a defiant pride that rebels against God's will by attempting to force salvation through personal works rather than accepting His grace. This attitude is the opposite of the fear of God, as it presumes to exceed human limitations and focuses entirely on self, blinding one to personal sinfulness. Such super-righteousness breeds pride, destroys relationships, and mirrors the self-centeredness of the Pharisees, who failed to recognize God due to their narcissistic demands for attention and submission. The danger lies in misjudging trials and reacting with an unthinking resolve to impress God, producing bad fruit that threatens salvation. The solution rests in the fear of God, which enables one to escape these pitfalls through a reverential respect and trust in Him, acknowledging that He owes us nothing while we owe Him everything. True wisdom is found in humbly trusting God's grace, avoiding the frustrating pressure of manufacturing righteousness, and allowing Him to perform His perfect work at His pace.

A difficult paradox appears in Solomon's writings, where he presents situations that seem contrary to common expectation. In Ecclesiastes 7:15, he notes the righteous dying young while the evil prosper and live long, challenging the anticipated outcomes of obedience to God. This paradox raises the question of why one should obey if the disobedient appear to be blessed. Solomon also warns against being overly righteous or overly wicked, suggesting a balance that might seem perplexing at first glance. This paradox can lead to a dangerous state of super-righteousness, a deceptive form of self-righteousness that arises as a misguided response to such contradictions. When faced with prolonged trials where the unconverted seem favored, a Christian might assume God is punishing them and strive to become super-righteous to attract His attention and relieve stress. Solomon questions why one should destroy themselves or die before their time, indicating the inherent danger in this reaction. He assures that those who fear God will escape this peril, emphasizing the need for steadfast faith and submission to God's will amidst paradoxical circumstances.