Be Neither Self-Righteous or Unrighteous

Main message: Solomon warns against two dangerous extremes—unrighteousness and self-righteousness—and Christians should avoid both, instead walking after Jesus who makes them truly righteous.

Key points:

• Don’t be excessively unrighteous (rejecting God) or excessively self-righteous (thinking you don’t need God).
• Self-righteousness pushes God and other people away through arrogance or the appearance of moral superiority.
• Illustration: a young man claiming he hadn't sinned in six months—either arrogant or dishonest—shows the danger of self-righteous claims.
• Know which way you lean: if people are surprised you’re a Christian you may lean unrighteous; if people are surprised you listen and empathize you may lean self-righteous.
• The goal is humility and following Jesus, who makes us righteous rather than pretending to be perfect.

Scriptures mentioned: none