Ecclesiastes 10 Devotional
By Pastor Lawrence Bowlin

Throughout this chapter, Solomon again contrasts the nature and power of wisdom and folly. Even though wisdom is both sweet-smelling and exceedingly valuable, only a little foolishness can cause quite a stink. And the difference is not merely external, for wisdom in the heart continually leans toward righteousness, whereas foolishness in the heart leans toward wickedness. Nevertheless, the difference can be demonstrable at times even in the way a person carries himself showing that he is either a wise man or a fool. And woe to the nation who elevates foolishness and oppresses wisdom, for sometimes there are immediate consequences for sin and folly.

Solomon mentions that the person who schemes to dig a hole intending to cause harm to others may happen to fall into the hole himself. Likewise, the one who seeks to break into a house through a wall may just find a snake in so doing. Of course, danger may be lurking around any corner; therefore, the wise man looks out for it even as he is pursuing good endeavors, minding both the danger as well as the rewards for his work.

Wisdom and folly can also be evidenced in the use of words. A wise man employs his words judicially and carefully winning favor before men, whereas the fool destroys everything in his path and is himself consumed in the process. Because the fool naturally multiplies his words, he makes many boasts and assumptions that do not come to fruition, but the wise man speaks only that which he knows and can productively add to a conversation. Altogether, the fool is unproductive in his ways for not only does he not know what he is saying, he also doesn’t know where he is going.

Clearly, the life of the fool is full of vanity, yet he doesn’t seek to change a thing. On the other hand, in order to avoid the paths of folly and to walk in wisdom, the wise man humbly and continually seeks the Lord’s guidance holding fast to His commands. He doesn’t do this perfectly, though, which is why the wise man seeks Christ, for he realizes that he is only a step away from playing the fool.