I see here several characteristics of the fool when he speaks.
First of all, he speaks out of turn (Ecclesiastes 10:11). He doesn’t need to be prompted to share his futile thoughts or his detrimental words. He just speaks freely to his own hurt and that of others.
Secondly, there is no kindness in his words (Ecclesiastes 10:12). His words will tear people apart before they minister grace to the needy ear.
“If the ax is dull, and one does not sharpen the edge, then he must use more strength; but wisdom brings success.”
I’ve encountered similar problems in the past. The less prepared something is for its work, the harder it is to accomplish its work.
A dull ax requires more physical energy to cut through a tree. A violin bow without rosin requires more physical strength to pull a sound out of a string. A tired mind takes longer to digest information.
I’m not sure exactly what point these verses are trying to communicate, but it seems like it is stressing the importance of wisdom and caution in everything we do.
If I’m not careful, I may fall into the next hole I dig, or I may be bit by a serpent the next time I break through a wall. I may be hurt by quarrying stones or by splitting logs. I’m always prone to danger if I’m not careful in everything I do.
Hahaha…this passage kinda makes me laugh. At first sight, it looks like Solomon is complaining: “There is an evil I have seen under the sun…Folly is set in great dignity, while the rich sit in a lowly place. I have seen servants on horses, While princes walk on the ground like servants.”
“If the spirit of the ruler rises against you, Do not leave your post; For conciliation pacifies great offenses.”
Retaliation. Revenge. Rejection.
Those are a few things we might feel to a certain level whenever someone else is significantly unhappy with us. This passage uses the example of a ruler expressing dissatisfaction with a subordinate, but the principle in the second half of the verse can be applied to any situation.
What should I write about next? Are there issues that you are facing or that the church is facing today that need to be addressed? Take 15 seconds to let me know!
