Ecclesiastes 10
Summary for Eccl 10:2-3: 10:2-3 a These two proverbs show the stupidity of fools. They choose wrongly, and everything they do shows that they are foolish.10:4 b A boss can be anyone in authority.
Summary for Eccl 10:5-7: 10:5-7 c The unjust and destructive delegation of authority to those incapable of using it wisely is a grave mistake. Favoritism, nepotism, extortion, and bribery can place the most reckless fools in the most powerful positions.
10:7 d servants riding ... princes walking: Cp. Prov 19:10 e.
Summary for Eccl 10:8-9: 10:8-9 f Every activity requires wisdom. Wisdom is evident in the safety precautions taken by those engaged in every profession, yet there is always a degree of risk.
10:10 g wisdom ... helps you succeed: In all occupations, there are tools that must be kept in good order to be most efficient. Simply sharpening the blade of a dull ax can be a significant act of wisdom for those whose livelihood depends on it.
10:11 h One purpose of charming a snake is to keep it from biting, but a snake charmer risks being bitten before it is charmed. Some occupations are so hazardous that the wise do not engage in them at all.
10:12 i Fools are destroyed by such things as foolish promises, getting caught in false testimony, and making the wrong people angry (see 5:6 j; Prov 17:20 k; 18:6-7 l; 19:5 m, 9 n).
10:14 o they chatter on and on: Fools are always talking about nothing (see 5:3 p; 6:11 q; Prov 10:19 r; 17:28 s).
• no one can predict the future: The wise will not waste time in foolish talking nor suffer its consequences (see Jas 4:13-16 t).
Summary for Eccl 10:15-20: 10:15-20 u The audience for this speech might have been an assembly of government workers. How should one rule when power and wealth invite a lack of accountability? 10:15 v Fools are so unaccustomed to work that when they actually try to work, they become exhausted.
Summary for Eccl 10:16-17: 10:16-17 w A servant lacks leadership skills.
• feast at the proper time: Wise leaders take their leisure only after the work is finished, not in the morning before work has even started. Lazy leaders weaken a society or organization.
10:18 x Delay in repairing a roof leads to drooping rafters and eventually to the ruin of the home (see Prov 12:27 y; 20:4 z). Corruption in government has a similar effect (Eccl 10:15-16 aa).
10:19 ab money gives everything: It is the way to get what you want or need in this world (cp. 7:11-12 ac).
10:20 ad It is often a mystery how someone knows what we have said. The best way to control our reputation is to control our thoughts.
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