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Ecclesiastes 10

Ecclesiastes 10 explores the effects of foolishness and wisdom in various aspects of life, including leadership, labor, and decision-making. The chapter highlights how a little folly can undo the good that wisdom brings, and how the consequences of foolish behavior manifest in personal and societal spheres.

Ecclesiastes 10:1-3 (NKJV)
1 Dead flies putrefy the perfumer’s ointment, and cause it to give off a foul odor; so does a little folly to one respected for wisdom and honor.
2 A wise man’s heart is at his right hand, but a fool’s heart at his left.
3 Even when a fool walks along the way, he lacks wisdom, and he shows everyone that he is a fool.

A small amount of folly can corrupt even the reputation of a wise person, just as a single dead fly can ruin costly perfume. This shows how fragile wisdom's benefits can be when undermined by foolishness. The contrast between a wise man and a fool is depicted in how they approach life: a wise person makes right decisions (symbolized by the "right hand"), while a fool consistently goes astray, revealing his folly to everyone.

Ecclesiastes 10:4-7 (NKJV)
4 If the spirit of the ruler rises against you, do not leave your post; for conciliation pacifies great offenses.
5 There is an evil I have seen under the sun, as an error proceeding from the ruler:
6 Folly is set in great dignity, while the rich sit in a lowly place.
7 I have seen servants on horses, while princes walk on the ground like servants.

When faced with the anger of a ruler, it is wise to remain calm and maintain your position. This teaches the value of patience and restraint in tense situations. The writer also laments the misplacement of authority and wealth, where foolish people hold high positions while the capable or noble are left in lowly ones, reflecting an imbalance in leadership and social order.

Ecclesiastes 10:8-11 (NKJV)
8 He who digs a pit will fall into it, and whoever breaks through a wall will be bitten by a serpent.
9 He who quarries stones may be hurt by them, and he who splits wood may be endangered by it.
10 If the ax is dull, and one does not sharpen the edge, then he must use more strength; but wisdom brings success.
11 A serpent may bite when it is not charmed; the babbler is no different.

Actions have consequences, and even well-intentioned tasks can bring harm if approached carelessly. Whether digging a pit, breaking through walls, or working with tools, there is always risk. Wisdom is shown to be the key to success, symbolized by the sharpened ax, which makes the work easier. In contrast, an uncharmed snake and a babbler both cause harm, stressing the need for preparation and restraint.

Ecclesiastes 10:12-15 (NKJV)
12 The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool shall swallow him up;
13 The words of his mouth begin with foolishness, and the end of his talk is raving madness.
14 A fool also multiplies words. No man knows what is to be; who can tell him what will be after him?
15 The labor of fools wearies them, for they do not even know how to go to the city!

The words of a wise person bring favor and benefit, while a fool's talk leads to their own downfall. A fool's speech starts with nonsense and ends in madness, as they speak too much without understanding the future. Their pointless chatter and ignorance, symbolized by not even knowing the way to the city, reveal the futility of their efforts, which only exhaust them.

Ecclesiastes 10:16-20 (NKJV)
16 Woe to you, O land, when your king is a child, and your princes feast in the morning!
17 Blessed are you, O land, when your king is the son of nobles, and your princes feast at the proper time—for strength and not for drunkenness!
18 Because of laziness the building decays, and through idleness of hands the house leaks.
19 A feast is made for laughter, and wine makes merry; but money answers everything.
20 Do not curse the king, even in your thought; do not curse the rich, even in your bedroom; for a bird of the air may carry your voice, and a bird in flight may tell the matter.

A nation suffers when its leaders are immature or irresponsible, indulging in pleasure instead of governing wisely. But a nation is blessed when its rulers are disciplined and lead with a sense of duty. Neglect and laziness lead to deterioration, as shown by the decaying building and leaking house. While feasting and enjoyment have their place, the practical role of wealth in providing for needs is also acknowledged. Finally, the writer warns against speaking ill of authority, as words can quickly spread and bring unintended consequences.

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