Ecclesiastes 10:1-10 Click here for Bible Verses
Hi GAMErs!
Today’s passage is Ecclesiastes 10:1-10. Let’s go!
Ecclesiastes 10:1 (NIV)
1 As dead flies give perfume a bad smell, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor.
On verse 1: A bottle of perfume can outweigh a dead fly in terms of size and surface area, yet that dead fly can compromise the usefulness of that perfume. Likewise, a person can have a lot of wisdom and honour, but a little folly can be their undoing.
Ecclesiastes 10:2 (NIV)
2 The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but the heart of the fool to the left.
On verse 2: This is not a reference to the politically right and the politically left, or the socially right and the socially left. Rather, in the Bible the right hand was seen as a place of favour, honour and strength. That is why Jesus is said to sit at the Father’s right hand (Acts 2:33; Psalm 110:1). The Psalmist prays that God would save them by His right hand (Psalm 60:5). So verse 1 is saying that the heart of the wise tends to live where the best of God’s favour, honour and protection reside, whereas fools tend to get the “left overs”.
Ecclesiastes 10:3 (NIV)
3 Even as he walks along the road, the fool lacks sense and shows everyone how stupid he is.
On verse 3: In normal, ordinary situations, through a person’s actions and words a fool can show how foolish they can be.
Ecclesiastes 10:4 (NIV)
4 If a ruler’s anger rises against you, do not leave your post; calmness can lay great errors to rest.
On verse 4: Qohelet advocates calmness in the face of anger. When someone loses their cool and storms at you verbally, resist the temptation to lose your cool as well. Keep calm and maintain your composure so that you can avoid making a bad mistake or making the situation worse.
Ecclesiastes 10:5-7 (NIV)
5 There is an evil I have seen under the sun, the sort of error that arises from a ruler:
6 Fools are put in many high positions, while the rich occupy the low ones.
7 I have seen slaves on horseback, while princes go on foot like slaves.
On verses 5-7: Qohelet laments how sometimes it seems like the wrong people get promoted and elevated, while the right people are held down. We must remember that ultimately it is God who decides who will be exalted and who will be brought down (Psalm 75:6-7). When the person whom we see being promoted is not our choice, we must remember that God is just and is not done writing His story.
Ecclesiastes 10:8-9 (NIV)
8 Whoever digs a pit may fall into it; whoever breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake.
9 Whoever quarries stones may be injured by them; whoever splits logs may be endangered by them.
On verses 8-9: In any endeavour there is always a risk. It’s important to be aware of the risks, and at the same time not be controlled by fear. Otherwise, you’ll never move forward.
Ecclesiastes 10:10 (NIV)
10 If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed but skill will bring success.
On verse 10: Sometimes it’s not a matter of trying harder but working smarter; not about exerting more strength but growing in skill.
Of the several lessons we can learn from Qohelet’s short statements above, which one do you need to especially keep in mind today?
Father, thank You that in Jesus Christ I am a child at Your right hand, the right hand of Your protection and favour. Please help me to be wise in all the ways Your Word talks about. In Jesus’ name, AMEN!
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