As we begin this chapter, we see that it is a continuing thought from Ecclesiastes 9:18. Solomon begins by saying as dead flies give perfume a bad smell, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honour, Ecclesiastes 10:1.
In other words, anyone can build a great reputation for themselves, but it only takes one sin to destroy that whole reputation. We must always remember that people are watching us, and if we act in such a way which doesn’t reflect that we belong to God, then everything we’ve done up until that point is worthless.
Clarke, in his commentary, says the following.
‘Any putrefaction spoils perfume, and so a foolish act ruins the character of him who has the reputation of being wise and good. Alas! Alas! in an unguarded moment, how many have tarnished the reputation which they were many years in acquiring!’
The NIV say, ‘the heart of the wise inclines to the right but the heart of the fool to the left’, Ecclesiastes 10:2. The KJV has the words, ‘a wise man’s heart at his right hand but a fool’s heart at his left’.
The right hand usually speaks about power and authority, Acts 7:55-56 / Romans 8:34 / Ephesians 1:20 / Colossians 3:1; however, here it’s used to distinguish right from wrong, Ecclesiastes 10:2. The right hand represents the good way, and the left hand represents the wrong way, Psalms 16:8 / Psalms 110:5 / Psalms 121:5.
We must be careful to gather all the facts before we make any judgments about others, otherwise, we will be foolish, Ecclesiastes 10:3. If we speak too much, we can end up speaking lies and come to the conclusion that we know more than we actually do, this too is foolishness, Ecclesiastes 10:3. If anyone is too quick to resign from any position, despite having charges against them, is also a fool, Ecclesiastes 10:4.
Hubbard, in his commentary, says the following.
‘The lesson is that the self-controlled person who has less rank is really more powerful than the out-of-control supposed superior.’
Solomon here is dealing with fools who have been appointed into positions of power and influence, Ecclesiastes 10:5. However, in doing so, they neglect the wise, Ecclesiastes 10:6-7 / Proverbs 19:10 / Proverbs 30:21-22. In other words, the wise must be included in governments; if not, the nation will come to ruin.
Life has its dangers, even for those who are extra careful, so we need wisdom every day of our lives. Solomon says, someone might dig a pit and fall into it, or someone might break through a wall and might be bitten by a snake, Ecclesiastes 10:8.
Clarke, in his commentary, says the following.
‘While spoiling his neighbour’s property, he himself may come to greater mischief while pulling out the sticks, he may be bit by a serpent, who has his nest there.’
Someone might quarry stones and might be injured by them, or someone might split logs and be endangered by them, Ecclesiastes 10:9.
Delitzsch, in his commentary, says the following.
‘The sum of these four clauses in Ecclesiastes 10:8-9, is certainly not merely that he who undertakes a dangerous matter exposes himself to danger; the author means to say, in this series of proverbs which treat of the distinction between wisdom and folly, that the wise man is everywhere conscious of his danger, and guards against it.’
If the axe is dull and its edge unsharpened, then more strength is needed, but skill will bring success, Ecclesiastes 10:10. In other words, wisdom says it’s better to sharpen an axe before use, so that it will do the job better.
If a snake bites before it is charmed, the charmer receives no fee, Ecclesiastes 10:11. In other words, wisdom says that a person has to charm the snake first in order that he doesn’t get bitten; no one will pay him for his snake charming. Someone once said that ‘common sense isn’t all that common’; this is true of the fool; wisdom must be used before and throughout we plan to do anything in life.
There are times when we have no one to blame for what happens to us but ourselves. Many people come to ruin because of their own words and actions, Ecclesiastes 10:12. We need to learn to think before we speak because there are those who speak so much that they reveal just how insecure they really are, Ecclesiastes 10:13-14.
These are the people who don’t understand what’s happening here and now, never mind what’s going to happen in the future, Ecclesiastes 10:14. In all truthfulness, even those who are wise can’t know what the future will bring by looking at their present situation.
These fools speak so much, but they can’t teach us anything because they don’t even know the way to town, Ecclesiastes 10:15. We see this happening in the political world, where politicians promise the earth and deliver nothing. We have politicians who speak about things they have no clue about, and the general public can tell that this, too, will bring about their ruin.
The king here and his so-called officials were busy feasting in the morning, Ecclesiastes 10:16. Any country that doesn’t have experienced leaders in place will not last very long.
However, if the king has been raised by a father who continually reminded him about the importance of government, then that same country will have wise leadership.
It’s then that the leaders of those countries will set up feasts at the right time, Ecclesiastes 10:17, that is, when they don’t have those drunken officials beside them, twisting their judgments, Isaiah 5:8-23 / Jeremiah 50:27 / Hosea 7:13 / Amos 6:1.
The country simply falls into ruin, Ecclesiastes 10:18, while the officials indulge themselves with food and drink and look out for their own selfish needs, Ecclesiastes 10:19.
Clarke, in his commentary, says the following.
‘This is remarkably the case in some countries. Houses are not repaired till they almost fall about the ears of the inhabitants. We have an adage that applies to all such cases, ‘a stitch in time saves nine.’
Solomon says do not revile the king even in your thoughts, or curse the rich in your bedroom, because a bird in the sky may carry your words, and a bird on the wing may report what you say, Ecclesiastes 10:19.
Constable, in his commentary, says the following.
‘These proverbs show what bad effects can come from unqualified, irresponsible leadership, Isaiah 5:11 / Acts 2:15. Ecclesiastes 10:19, reflects the bad attitudes of the profligate leaders.’
We must remember, though, that we’re not to curse the king. The reason for this is simple: it prevents chaos in the country, Romans 12:1-7. The idea of government is God’s idea, and he wants all people to be governed, Ecclesiastes 8:15.
Eaton, in his commentary, says the following.
‘Everything that has been said about wisdom and folly points again to the main lesson of Ecclesiastes: the need to face life as it really is and take our life day by day from the hand of a sovereign God.’