Finding The Sweet Spot

The story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears has always fascinated me. I mean, how does someone just walk into a stranger’s house, rummage through their belongings, and make themselves at home? And let’s not forget—it was the home of bears! (But that’s a lesson for another day.)

What strikes me most in this story isn’t the trespassing but Goldilocks’ search for balance, her search for the sweet spot. She tried porridge that was too hot and too cold, chairs that were too big and too small, and beds that were too hard and too soft. But when she found the one that was just right for her, she was satisfied.

The Bible’s Take on Balance

The Bible also speaks to this pursuit of balance. In Ecclesiastes 7:16–17, Solomon writes:

“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?”

We understand easily enough that too much wickedness and foolishness leads to destruction. But Solomon’s wisdom goes further; he warns us against extremes on the other side as well. Too much self-righteousness and self-proclaimed wisdom can be just as dangerous.

Why? Because when we elevate ourselves as too righteous or too wise, we stop relying on God.

The Dangers of the Extremes

Solomon’s wisdom in Ecclesiastes 7 reminds us that both ends of the spectrum can be dangerous. We usually recognize the danger of wickedness and foolishness, but sometimes we miss the subtler trap of being overrighteous or overwise.

The Danger of Overrighteousness

When we start to think of ourselves as overly righteous, we risk becoming like the Pharisees—focused more on rules, appearances, and self-image than on God’s heart. Instead of humility, pride takes root. We begin to measure others against our standards and forget that our righteousness is nothing without God’s grace.

• Modern example: This shows up when church becomes more about dress codes, checklists, or religious performance than about love and grace. It’s when someone says, “I don’t struggle with that sin, so I must be more spiritual than you.” Overrighteousness blinds us to our own need for mercy.

The Danger of Overwisdom

There’s nothing wrong with pursuing knowledge and understanding. But when wisdom turns into self-sufficiency, we stop listening to God. We lean on our own understanding instead of His guidance (Proverbs 3:5–6). This extreme can make us dismissive of prayer, dependent on logic alone, or even skeptical of God’s power.

• Modern example: This shows up when we think we can “Google” our way through life instead of seeking God in prayer. Or when we place more trust in self-help books and authors and podcasts than in God’s Word. Overwisdom whispers, “You’ve got this on your own,” when in reality, we desperately need His direction.

The Danger of Wickedness

On the other end, giving ourselves over to sin and rebellion erodes our relationship with God and leads to destruction. It may promise pleasure or freedom, but it ultimately brings bondage and brokenness.

• Modern example: This shows up when culture tells us, “Do whatever feels good” or “Live your truth.” It may seem harmless at first, but unchecked sin eventually entangles us in consequences we didn’t see coming. And by the way, there is no “your truth” or “my truth” or “their truth” (but that’s for another blog entirely)

4. The Danger of Foolishness

Foolishness might look like carelessness, recklessness, or ignoring wise counsel. This extreme leaves us vulnerable to consequences that God never intended for us.

• Modern example: This shows up when we rush into decisions without prayer, ignore godly advice from mentors, or live recklessly with money, relationships, or health. Foolishness says, “I’ll deal with the fallout later,” but later often comes with regret.

When we lean too far to either side, whether self-righteousness, self-reliance, foolishness, or sin, we miss the sweet spot of humble dependence on God. Balance doesn’t mean being oblivious; it means recognizing our limits and staying anchored in His grace.

Living in the Sweet Spot

The sweet spot of life isn’t about lukewarm faith or half-hearted living rather it’s about staying in a place where we fully depend on God. It’s where humility meets faith, where wisdom is surrendered to His greater wisdom, and where our righteousness is grounded not in our works but in His mercy.

This sweet spot keeps us balanced, humble, and deeply reliant on the One who holds all things together.

Goldilocks may have been looking for the “just right” bed, chair, and bowl of porridge but as believers, we’re called to find our “just right” in Christ.

Not too self-righteous. Not too self-reliant. But grounded in the sweet spot of God’s grace.

Reflection Question

Where in your life are you leaning toward extremes whether it’s too self-sufficient, too self-righteous, or too reliant on others? How might God be inviting you back to the sweet spot of dependence on Him?

Closing Prayer

Lord, thank You for teaching me that true balance comes from depending on You. Guard me from the pride of thinking I am too righteous or too wise, and protect me from the foolishness of sin. Help me to live in the sweet spot of Your grace, where my heart rests in You alone. Amen.