←Ecclesiastes 10→BSB

In This Chapter 43 terms

Key Terms

Stupid 9 Wisdom 2 Greatness 2 Stupid (Foolish) 2 Gracious 2 Ability (Skill) Ability (Power) World Universe Miracle Ability (Spiritual) Lordship Spiritually Glory (Presence of God) Glory (Splendor) Praise (Glorify) Praise (Respect) Sin (Offense) To Sin Sin Guilt (State) Transgression Sin (Act) Sin (Incur Guilt) Guilty (Responsible) Guilt (Consequence) Guiltiness Trespass (Sin) Sinful To Stand Guilty Sin (Guilty) Sin (Wrongdoing) Guilty Considered Guilty Guilty Of Sin Previously Sin Against Favor (Kindness) Grace Gift (Spiritual) Gratitude Gift (Favor) Show Kindness Towards

Wisdom and Folly

1As dead flies bring a stench to the perfumer’s oil,so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor.
ⓘ These two proverbs highlight the foolishness of unwise...

These two proverbs highlight the foolishness of unwise people. They make poor choices, and their actions reveal their lack of wisdom.
2A wise man’s heart inclines to the right,but the heart of a fool to the left.3Even as the fool walks along the road, his sense is lacking,and he shows everyone that he is a fool.4If the ruler’s temper flares against you, do not abandon your post,for calmness lays great offenses to rest.
ⓘ Giving power to those who cannot use it...

Giving power to those who cannot use it wisely is a big mistake. Favoritism, nepotism, extortion, and bribery can put reckless people in powerful positions.
5There is an evil I have seen under the sun—an error that proceeds from the ruler:6Folly is appointed to great heights,but the rich sit in lowly positions.7I have seen slaves on horseback,while princes go on foot like slaves.
ⓘ Every activity needs wisdom. People show wisdom by...

Every activity needs wisdom. People show wisdom by taking safety precautions in their jobs, but some risk always remains.
8He who digs a pit may fall into it,and he who breaches a wall may be bitten by a snake.9The one who quarries stones may be injured by them,and he who splits logs endangers himself.10If the axe is dull and the blade unsharpened,more strength must be exerted,but skill produces success.11If the snake bites before it is charmed,there is no profit for the charmer.
12The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious,but the lips of a fool consume him.13The beginning of his talk is folly,and the end of his speech is evil madness.14Yet the fool multiplies words.No one knows what is coming,and who can tell him what will come after him?
ⓘ The audience for this speech might have been...

The audience for this speech might have been a group of government workers. How should a leader govern when power and wealth lead to a lack of responsibility?
15The toil of a fool wearies him,for he does not know the way to the city.
ⓘ A servant does not have leadership skills. feast...

  • A servant does not have leadership skills.

  • feast at the proper time: Wise leaders relax only after completing their work, not in the morning before starting. Lazy leaders weaken a society or organization.
16Woe to you, O land whose king is a youth,†and whose princes feast in the morning.17Blessed are you, O land whose king is a son of nobles,and whose princes feast at the proper time—for strength and not for drunkenness.
18Through laziness the roof caves in,and in the hands of the idle, the house leaks.
19A feast is prepared for laughter, and wine makes life merry,but money is the answer for everything.
20Do not curse the king even in your thoughts,or curse the rich even in your bedroom,for a bird of the air may carry your words,and a winged creature may report your speech.