Moderation in life is a profound biblical principle that encourages believers to live with balance and self-control. In Philippians 4:5, Paul exhorts, 'Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.' This call for moderation reflects a heart aligned with God’s will, recognizing that our lives should be characterized by grace and temperance. The Scriptures teach that excessive behavior, whether in indulgence or denial, can lead us away from the path of righteousness. As stated in 1 Corinthians 10:31, 'Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.' This verse encapsulates the essence of moderation, urging believers to consider how their actions reflect their faith. Furthermore, Proverbs 25:16 warns, 'Hast thou found honey? Eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.' Here, the wisdom literature emphasizes the dangers of overindulgence, pointing to the necessity of self-restraint. In a world that often promotes excess, the call to moderation serves as a reminder of our need for balance, as we strive to embody the character of Christ, who exemplified perfect moderation in all aspects of life.
In this sermon by W.J. Erdman, the Preacher embarks on a new quest to discover 'the Good' in a high law for life under the sun, possibly found in the fear of God. He seeks wisdom as the means to find the Chief Good, balancing the better and worse things in life to find the 'golden mean.' The Preache