ABSTRACT
The word saddiq in biblical Hebrew is, in ethical contexts, an absolute term. Qoheleth's apparent failure to commend righteous behavior whole-heartedly seems therefore to leave him open to the charge of teaching immorality. Many interpreters virtually admit his guilt, though not usually in so many words. Qoheleth is not telling his readers that righteousness is a quality which can be, but should not be, overdone. Qoheleth nowhere advises his readers to steer a middle course between righteousness and wickedness. Having warned his readers against pretensions to righteousness and wisdom, Qoheleth then adds a warning not to go to the other extreme and throw off all restraints and all striving towards these virtues, abandoning oneself to a life of crime or folly. Qoheleth has learned from his observation of life that there is no necessary connection between human behavior and good or evil fortune.
