Ecc 7:16 | Clarke | e4.org | Verse 16. Why shouldest thou destroy thyself? ] tishshomem , make thyself desolate , so that thou shalt be obliged to stand alone ; neither make thyself over-wise, tithchaccam , do not pretend to abundance of wisdom. Why shouldest thou be so singular? In other words, and in modern language, "There is no need of all this watching, fasting, praying, self-denial, &c., you carry things to extremes . Why should you wish to be reputed singular and precise?" To this the man of God answers:

‏ Ecclesiastes 7:16

Verse 16. Why shouldest thou destroy thyself?] tishshomem, make thyself desolate, so that thou shalt be obliged to stand alone; neither make thyself over-wise, tithchaccam, do not pretend to abundance of wisdom. Why shouldest thou be so singular? In other words, and in modern language, "There is no need of all this watching, fasting, praying, self-denial, &c., you carry things to extremes. Why should you wish to be reputed singular and precise?" To this the man of God answers: