Ecclesiastes Part 21
“A wise man’s heart is at his right hand, but a fool’s heart is at his left.” Right and left symbolize favorable and unfavorable directions. The heart determines direction.
Continuing in Ecclesiastes chapter 10, Solomon continues to emphasize the value of wisdom in navigating life’s frustrations, especially when dealing with authority, leadership, work, speech and personal conduct. While life remains unpredictable, wisdom helps people avoid unnecessary trouble and respond rightly to difficult situations.
We can learn the value of restraint and responsibility through these words rather than through the pain of personal experience. We read that one small mistake can have lasting consequences. Moses became angry at Israel’s constant complaining. David saw Bathsheba bathing. Joseph was repeatedly tempted by Potiphar’s wife. These were critical moments in each man’s life. Moses struck the rock, David committed multiple sins, and Joseph fled. Their responses have been read by millions of people throughout history and affected the course of their lives. We have the opportunity to learn from their experiences.
Verses 4–7 teach that when those in authority become angry, wisdom calls for calmness, patience and peacemaking rather than a rash reaction. Proverbs 16:14 gives a parallel: “As messengers of death is the king’s wrath, but a wise man will appease it.” Proverbs 15:1 also reminds us that “a soft answer turns away wrath.” Walking away in anger or escalating conflict often makes a situation worse. It is usually better to remain calm and committed to the relationship unless the circumstances become unbearable. Of course, that can happen, depending on the situation.
Wisdom helps us avoid some problems in life and keeps us from making other problems worse. Solomon also observes a common injustice in human government: unqualified and foolish people are sometimes promoted to positions of authority while capable and honorable people are overlooked. This reflects the disorder and imperfections of life under the sun.
Verses 8-11 highlight the risks that accompany both work and life. Whether through labor, leadership, or personal decisions, dangers exist that require caution and foresight. Wisdom helps us recognize risks, prepare properly and act at the right time. The examples of pits, walls, stones, woodcutting, dull tools and snakes all illustrate the importance of careful planning, skill and prudent action rather than carelessness or impulsiveness.
These principles apply just as much today as they did in Solomon’s time. Going to battle can be compared to the challenges we face in our work and responsibilities. Building projects can be likened to investment decisions and major purchases. As we make wise decisions and are entrusted with greater responsibilities, our influence on others grows. The wisdom Solomon describes becomes even more important.
The next verses, 12-15, focus on the use of speech. Wise words are gracious, beneficial and measured, while foolish words ultimately harm the speaker. A fool talks excessively, speaks rashly, pretends to know what he cannot know and often displays pride and overconfidence. Wisdom, by contrast, is marked by humility, thoughtful speech and an awareness of life’s uncertainties. Solomon reminds us that many problems are created simply by failing to think before speaking.
Verses 16–19 return to the subject of leadership. Nations prosper when leaders are mature, disciplined and focused on their responsibilities. They suffer when rulers are immature, self-indulgent and more concerned with pleasure than duty. In our contemporary context, rulers can be anyone in a leadership role—supervisors, managers, executives, government officials, teachers, advisers and others who influence people. Leaders can demonstrate either wisdom or foolishness, and their choices affect those they lead. Laziness leads to decay, whether in a household, an organization, or a nation. Wise leadership requires diligence, self-control and faithful stewardship.
The woe, or disaster, in verse 16 comes when the king is a “child” or “youth” (NKJV, YLT) or, as translated in other versions, a “servant” or “slave” (NIV, NEB), with princes feasting in the morning. This describes an inexperienced or immature ruler whose subordinate leaders are likewise immature and self-indulgent. According to the Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries, the Hebrew word translated “child” here “refers not to age but to general maturity. The term often means ‘servant.’ In 1 Kings 3:7 Solomon considers himself ‘a child’ and recognizes his immaturity as a disadvantage to be remedied only by God-given wisdom” (Eaton, note on verse 16). Ecclesiastes 10:16 may therefore refer to “a king who acts like a child” (Tommy Nelson, p. 168).
Verse 20 concludes with a warning about speaking against rulers and powerful people. Even when leaders are flawed, wisdom urges restraint. Complaining, cursing and careless words can create personal danger and contribute to social disorder. Solomon’s point is not that authorities are always right, but that wisdom carefully considers the consequences of what is said and done.
Wisdom Literature is a course taught at ABC by Dr. Urwiller. Recordings from the 2018–2019 class year are available to listen to on the ABC website.
UYA Team | uya@ucg.org
United Young Adults (UYA) primarily serves the 18–32-year age group for the United Church of God. There are three main areas of contribution to the lives of the young adults: Promoting Spiritual Growth, Developing Meaningful Relationships, and Making the Most of Your Talents. The Know Your Sword series is a daily expository message introducing God’s Word from a trusted perspective.
