May 26, 2021 - Ecclesiastes 10:1-4

A good joke told at the proper time can relieve tension or provide a moment of lightheartedness to strenuous situations. A wise man knows the importance of speech and how it can assist or hinder their ability to manage circumstances.

Solomon has been discussing the words of a wise man and how a misspoken word or action can erase the careful words previously spoken. Solomon begins chapter ten with a proverb that was also used in chapter seven. Perfume is prepared to be aromatic and pleasing to the sense of smell but the addition of dead flies changes the smell and causes it to emit a foul odor. Solomon uses this illustration to highlight the potential harm that can occur when a foolish act is done at the wrong time. Folly or foolish activity is spoken here seven times and each time the writer says that it results in damaging the character of the individual.

The reason for this tendency of foolishness is stated by Solomon as coming from the heart of man (v.2). The center of man controls the “issues of life” (Proverbs 4:23) and inclines an individual to either wisdom or foolishness. In ancient times, the practice of placing the heart at the right and left hand was indicative of a man with or without wisdom. The right hand was a position of power and honor and the left was weakness and foolishness.

A foolish man not only allows his speech to reveal folly but Solomon also says that his entire life reveals this weakness. The paths he chooses and the carelessness of decisions mark the man inclined to live a life of foolhardiness and underachievement (v.3-4). Solomon describes the principle of foolishness in one’s life and how it is applied to four areas of life, which we will look at tomorrow.

Being the center of attention and the life of the party is not always a bad trait. Using the personality and traits God has given, along with the sensitivity of timing, will provide opportunity to demonstrate wise usage of humor and instruction. Proverbs also saw the wisdom of speaking carefully by saying, “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold is a wise rebuker to an obedient ear.” (Proverbs 25:11). Let us take careful inspection of the words we speak to others and seek to speak words of wisdom!