Tuesday, October 15 – Ecclesiastes 10, 11

1. What are fools consumed by? Ecclesiastes 10:12

2. What animal does Solomon say could carry our words? Ecclesiastes 10:20

3. What shall we banish from our hearts? Ecclesiastes 11:10

When I read the books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, I like to take Solomon’s advice and apply it to my life. Let us examine our hearts to see what foolishness might be there. Then, let’s ask God to transform our minds and hearts to become wiser and live a life that honors Him and brings us value and joy. Do this with the reflection questions found after each section.

The Andrews Bible Commentary on Ecclesiastes Chapter 10 describes different areas where you can observe foolishness. Verse 1: “As dead flies give perfume a bad smell, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor.” No matter how wise we think we are, if we let our guard down and disconnect from the source of wisdom, we will find our folly giving a stench to our lives everywhere.

There are fools in schools, which is the last place fools should be found, Eccl.10:1-7. “This syndrome of dead flies in perfume first affects the institution respected for its wisdom, the so-called academic authority that reaches a corrupt lesson (falsehood, racism, evolution, etc.). Unlike the wise, whose heart is on the right side and who can therefore think clearly and rightly, the fool teaches from the left side (v.2), the side of deception (Judg.3:15; 21:2). The fool lacks wisdom and yet accuses the others of being foolish (Eccl.10:3). It is therefore expected that the fool is intolerant and abuses his power. Solomon recommends self-control and a conciliatory spirit without compromising integrity (v.4).” (Andrews Bible Commentary)

For reflection: Am I tolerant of others’ differences? Do I abuse my power in any way? Do I have self-control when someone treats me wrong?

The fools in the workplace “…who are placed in their positions not because of their skills will sooner or later be unmasked by the poor performance quality.” They will fall into the same pit they dug (v.8), and they will get hurt by not knowing what they are doing (v.9); they will waste their time and energy since their ax is dull, and their skills are not sharp (v.10) (Andrews Bible Commentary)

For reflection: Am I being honest in my place of work? Do I take time to sharpen my skills

so that I can be more efficient?

The fool’s foolishness in public life “will be revealed by his words. Thus, the fool is comparable to an amateur snake charmer who, for lack of knowledge, is bitten by the snake. He is unmasked as a fraud (v.11). Their many words compromise them, and their lips will swallow them (v.12).” (Andrews Bible Commentary). Because he considers everyone else a fool, he can’t find anyone to help him. So, he continues to walk while talking nonsense, not contributing to anything and getting nowhere.

For reflection: Am I humble enough to accept and recognize that I don’t know everything? Am I humble enough to ask for help? Do my words bring comfort to those around me?

There are fools in government. “Wise men are no longer around. Only fools are left, and the result is catastrophic. An immature child is sitting on the throne” (v.16), and officers are continually feasting.” Solomon continues to describe lazy leaders (v.18) who only look for money as the answer for everything (v.19). “Considering the pervasive presence of the fools, he urges… to keep quiet and behave with great prudence” even our thoughts and words in our bedrooms must be guarded because they can find ways to hear what we say. (v.20) (Andrews Bible Commentary)

For reflection: Am I prudent with my words when I speak about government leaders? Do I prioritize money as the solution for everything?

Chapter 11 then moves to the life of the wise. The wise are generous and give to people experiencing poverty. “Casting bread upon waters means to risk losing bread. Similarly, giving to the poor is giving without the expectation of reward…” (v.1). (Andrews Bible Commentary)

The wise are diligent and hopeful of the future, trusting in God. (v.6). The wise work in the morning and at night is not idle but also learns to enjoy every moment of the unique life God gives him so that, in the end, it will have meaning. (v.8) The wise don’t live in anxiety but cast all their troubles to the grace and power of God. (v.10).

For reflection: Am I allowing God to take control of my worries and burdens? Am I living a productive life while enjoying every moment? Do I share my blessings with those who are less fortunate?

May God bless you as you live a wise life of faith, hope, joy, and generosity!