Ecclesiastes - Chapter 10
Foolishness has its dangers (1-3):
Our preacher warns those who may read his words or listen to him against the dangers of being foolish, expressed as folly.
Folly has dangers and wisdom has limits. Folly is so powerful that a little of it, like a bad smell, can overwhelm a large amount of wisdom. Folly is so dangerous because it heads us in the wrong direction. Solomon highlights the contrast between the sound judgment of the wise man and the poor judgment of the fool. This poor judgment noted is not a well kept secret. The fool's actions speak for themselves. By making poor decisions he announces that he is a fool.
Power can be used or abused (4-7):
Wisdom is a guide in the affairs of government. This is a point that the preacher returned to more than once. It seems he is allowing a very basic idea that is whether we thrive or not depends upon how we are governed. This advice was practical and shrewd.
He is essentially saying that we should stay on the good side of the powerful. We are to use our own power of self control to offset the abuse of power we may see in those above us who govern. His lesson is thoughtful here. The self controlled person who has less rank is really more powerful than the superior one who may be out of control.
The preacher is careful to note that we should be aware of the injustices of life. He had seen rulers make mistakes when they often put the wrong people in positions of power. The warning is as strong today as it was under Solomon. Inequities seem to always arise, especially in government. He further seems to warn us to do all in our own power, even if limited, to prevent such events if possible.
He makes the point that the rich may make better officials because they usually have more experience in managing large operations and their potential for success has already been tested and is evident. He seems to be teaching that the issue is not actually class but is competence.
Work can be careless and cautious (8-11):
The verses here should be read as a warning against the hazards of everyday work which can be harmful if caution is neglected. Wisdom, with its cautious common sense, coaches workers to be careful and therefore cut down on the possibility of accidents. Wisdom prevents accidents, such as the foresight to charm a snake before it bites. Simple practical wisdom keeps folly from showing itself and hurting us.
Words can be graceful and calling (12-15):
Solomon knew that his students were headed for positions of responsibility either in government or business. When in the positions of authority, they had to watch their language. Success or failure would be determined by the accuracy of their speech.
He also wishes to explore the other side of this topic, which is the negative outcome of the talk of the fool. First, the fool is self destructive. The more a fool speaks, the worse their speech and state of mind become. Their endless efforts at talking accomplish nothing. Their lack of wisdom is surely exposed as they seem to be unable to curb their lips.
Rulers can be decadent and disciplined (16-20):
This section of teaching takes us to the palace and alerts us to the unique temptations that are found there. Both the dark and bright side of political life is contrasted. The cause of the trouble observed by the preacher is an unfit king. Chaos results from one ruling who was so unprepared. Leadership was lacking and because of that factor, even public buildings were in disrepair. Money was wasted which was seen to be a public crime. Who was reporting these things?
Verse 20 mentions a “bird” which was in itself a warning to any would be critic to hold his tongue while in the king's court because there was a controlling network of informers to tell the king any bit of gossip about those who may be critical. Just as in our time today, those who wish to gossip but do not wish to name names just say “a little bird told me”. Some things never change.
In these verses Solomon has provided his last words about what goes on at the court of a king, caution in work, wise speech, and wisdom's virtue over folly. He has done his best to equip his students to handle life as it comes with patience and poise.
Jesus also believed that God's people should have the wisdom to deal with life's problems. When he sent out His disciples, He gave them this advice in Matthew 10:16:
“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, Therefore be as wise as serpents and as harmless as doves”.
The wise preacher wanted his students to understand how life worked. The Greater Wise Man called His followers to know the One who makes life work. Jesus took His pupils beyond the wisdom of the older preacher when He instilled in them a stronger sense of the power of love. He encouraged His disciples to pray for their enemies and to do good to those who mistreat them. Make love your aim, not success in worldly things because love IS success by the Lord's measure.