It is better that you should take hold of the one, but from the other also do not withdraw your hand; for he that fears God will go forth with them all.”​—Eccl. 7:16-18.

How can damaging extremes be avoided? The fear of Jehovah, a wholesome regard for the Creator, is essential. This fear serves to restrain wrongdoing and also moves the individual to follow a balanced course of life, avoiding extremes. One who fears God endeavors to be righteous and wise but shuns being overly scrupulous and making a show of wisdom. Because he enjoys life in a wholesome way, extremists may even judge him as a wrongdoer, just as Jesus Christ was wrongly labeled as being a drunkard and a glutton.​—Matt. 11:19.

In reality, however, such a conscientious, balanced person is keeping a tight reign on his conduct and does not become a practicer of wickedness. The God-fearing person goes forth unharmed by the problems and difficulties of those who ignore the precepts (1) ‘do not be righteous overmuch nor show yourself excessively wise’ and (2) ‘do not be wicked overmuch.’ As Solomon recommended, he thus ‘takes hold of the one, but from the other also does not withdraw his hand.’ He takes on righteousness without being so exacting as to set impossible standards for himself and others, or withdrawing from the healthful pleasure to be enjoyed in life.