Reading: Ecclesiastes 9-12
Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour: so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour. A wise man’s heart is at his right hand; but a fool’s heart at his left. Yea also, when he that is a fool walketh by the way, his wisdom faileth him, and he saith to every one that he is a fool (Eccl. 10:1-3).
For the last two chapters of the Book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon has endeavored to stress the attributes of the truly wise man. In chapter ten, he takes a closer look at the behaviors and characteristics that brand a man a fool.
To begin with, a fool is unpleasant to be around. Solomon likens him to a spoiled perfume that noticeably stinks and sets itself apart (10:1). A fool believes himself to be above reproach, but in reality, his reputation is paper-thin and prone to destruction. A fool is instinctively drawn to that which goes against God (10:2) and will go out of his way to make his position known and argue the correctness of it. A fool cannot hide the fact that he is one and sees no reason to do so (10:3).
A fool is careless of others. He works only towards his own convenience and gives no thought to the safety and convenience of others. A fool cares nothing for hard work or fair practices. A fool often surrounds himself with those who cater to him, not those who will challenge him to improve (10:4-10). A fool frequently speaks without forethought, automatically assuming that since he is the one speaking, his words are correct and universally welcome. The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness: and the end of his talk is mischievous madness. A fool also is full of words: a man cannot tell what shall be; and what shall be after him, who can tell him (10:13-14)?
A fool is self-indulgent and wasteful. A fool desires to be seen as generous and compassionate, but only insomuch as he himself is not inconvenienced or overshadowed (10:16-17). A fool is often lazy, attending only to what holds their own interest and neglecting the rest (10:18). Lastly, a fool is indiscreet, constantly complaining and gossiping about others without concern as to who might overhear their words or what damage that might cause (10:20).
God did not move Solomon to provide us with this description so we could judge our neighbors but rather so we could examine ourselves. If we are honest, all of us reading this today will have to admit that from time to time we display some or even all of these traits (though rarely all at once), generally in moments of stress and selfish weakness. To claim otherwise is deceptive and foolish in and of itself. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us (I John 1:8). God has not provided this description to cause us to crumble under the weight of self-condemnation but rather to assist in our continued spiritual growth. He is calling us to be ever vigilant, weed out our foolishness when and where we find it, and turn our faces towards Him. In God, we will find both wisdom and the strength to display it for all to see.
See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is (Eph. 5:15-17).
Thought for Today: To view oneself as the center of the universe is to render oneself a fool; the universe is God’s, and we are but a small part of it.
Christ Revealed: In the statement: For God shall bring every work into judgment (Eccl. 12:14). Jesus will judge all, for the Father (God) judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son (Jesus) (John 5:22).
Word Studies: 10:14 is full of words = talks as though he knows everything about which he knows nothing; 10:15 he knoweth not how to go to the city = he is ignorant concerning the most obvious matters; 12:11 goads = rods sharpened at the ends, used in driving oxen (Judg. 3:31; I Sam. 13:21); The words of the wise are as goads = The words of wisdom rouse into action to do right.
Pray for StaffJennifer Palafox • Government Official: Rep. Nikema Williams (GA) • Country: Uganda (35,918,915) Eastern Africa • Major Languages: English, Luganda • Religious Freedom • 41.9% Roman Catholic; 42% Protestant; 12.1% Muslim; 3.1% Other; 0.9% None • Prayer Suggestion: Pray not to be envious of others (Ps. 37:1).
Optional Reading: Hebrews 7