Chapter 10

Solomon spends time in chapter 10 much as he did in Proverbs. He spent considerable time in Proverbs discussing deriding fools and foolish conduct as he does so here. This chapter seems more like a collection of wise sayings and observations as opposed to a sermon. Its purpose is to recommend wisdom to us, its precepts and rules recommending that wise and great men take great precaution as true wisdom will gain great reputation and is easily lost with a little folly. I can relate to this.

10:1 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. 10:2 A wise man's heart is at his right hand; but a fool's heart at his left. Think of this in terms of right and left handed persons. The mechanics of writing are ordered from different sides of the brain for each. A right handed person can perceive an awkwardness when observing a left handed person. They are considered here as a place of protection vs. a place of danger. I am sure this mattered more in his day than now. Left handed people are more prone to accident statistically, but then the world is designed for right-handedness, eh?

10:3 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. 10:4 If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great offenses. It is wise to live a quiet and peaceful life. A wise response is not to respond to the folly of a superior. Don't quit your job when your boss flies off the handle. Employ a little wisdom here.

10:5 There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, as an error which proceedeth from the ruler: 10:6 Folly is set in great dignity, and the rich sit in low place. 10:7 I have seen servants upon horses, and princes walking as servants upon the earth. The lesson is that the self-controlled person who has less rank in society is really more powerful than the out-of-control person who might have power over him. It is safer and better to yield to an angry prince than to contend with him. There are most capable people who are walking as servants while the more foolish are in power upon horses. Do you ever wonder why some people get promoted to management positions?

10:8 He that diggeth a pit shall fall into it; and whoso breaketh an hedge, a serpent shall bite him. 10:9 Whoso removeth stones shall be hurt therewith; and he that cleaveth wood shall be endangered thereby. 10:10 If the iron be blunt, and he do not whet the edge, then must he put to more strength: but wisdom is profitable to direct. 10:11 Surely the serpent will bite without enchantment; and a babbler is no better. Solomon is showing danger in what a person undertakes to state that one must show wisdom in everyday tasks to guard against what may happen if they are not careful. Improper timing can foil wisdom in these and many matters. Dig a pit for someone else, you might fall in it yourself. Consider a hedge metaphorically as a boundary. Break that boundary and the hiding serpent may bite you.

10:12 The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself. 10:13 The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness: and the end of his talk is mischievous madness. 10:14 A fool also is full of words: a man cannot tell what shall be; and what shall be after him, who can tell him? 10:15 The labour of the foolish wearieth every one of them, because he knoweth not how to go to the city. Ever hear the term, "word salad"? Fools destroy themselves by the way they talk. They don't know when to be quiet, or when to come out of the rain. Foolish people are nonsense. People with some wisdom will speak graciously, to the point, and have some value in what they speak. A fool is a waste of time and energy. If they have any idea of what they are doing, it is probable it is not in your best interest. Note, Many who are empty of sense are full of words; and the least solid are the most noisy.

10:16 Woe to thee, O land, when thy king is a child, and thy princes eat in the morning! 10:17 Blessed art thou, O land, when thy king is the son of nobles, and thy princes eat in due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness! 10:18 By much slothfulness the building decayeth; and through idleness of the hands the house droppeth through. This can speak to the foolishness of those in authority, or government or a foolish man as head of his family. They show the bad effects of such leadership. Let those in leadership take note of what can happen when they make such foolish decisions. The Old testament has many rules for its kings. Drunkenness and sloth are foolish.

10:19 A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry: but money answereth all things. 10:20 Curse not the king, no not in thy thought; and curse not the rich in thy bedchamber: for a bird of the air shall carry the voice, and that which hath wings shall tell the matter. Show me the money...Don't spend your talk and time trying to overthrow those who have more power than you. It can certainly come back to haunt you. Does Solomon, and the Bible, say do not speak out against injustices? Not really, but he really isn't addressing how to affect change in a corrupt government, just don't endanger yourself unnecessarily. Be smart about it.

Resources used in this post are Matthew Henry Concise Commentary, Dr. Constable's note on Ecclessiates, Bible Trak Bible Commentary, On-line Bible UK.