Psalms 130:3 – If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? God offers us a full life in an empty world Ecclesiastes 7:2a – It’s better to go to a house of mourning than a house of feasting. Ecclesiastes 7:15-17 – 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? Ecclesiastes 7:18-20 – It is good to grasp the one and not let go of the other. Whoever fears God will avoid all extremes. Wisdom makes one wise person more powerful than ten rulers in a city. Indeed, there is no one on earth who is righteous, no one who does what is right and never sins We compare ourselves to others in three ways: upward, lateral, & downward There’s a “wrongness” about your righteousness God’s Scorecard: Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control The most important qualities in our lives are God-produced Ecclesiastes 7:21-23 – Do not take to heart all the things that people say, lest you hear your servant cursing you. Your heart knows that many times you yourself have cursed others. All this I have tested by wisdom. I said, “I will be wise,” but it was far from me. Forgiveness is a test of your righteousness Genesis 4:23-24 – Lamech said to his wives: “Adah and Zillah, hear my voice; you wives of Lamech, listen to what I say: I have killed a man for wounding me, a young man for striking me. If Cain's revenge is sevenfold, then Lamech's is seventy-sevenfold.” The Lamech Line: “You hurt me, so I’ll hurt you” The Simon Solution: “I live on the limited forgiveness plan” Ecclesiastes 7:22 – Your heart knows that many times you yourself have cursed others. True righteousness is rooted in Christ’s forgiveness