Set to dark modeSet to dark modeEcclesiastes 10 Commentary
Please choose a passage
Foolishness is the opposite of wisdom and its effects/consequences are readily apparent. A little foolishness can poison a lot of wisdom. Wisdom requires making choices to act in ways that avoid emotional reactions.
Solomon sees evidence of folly in society and warns against reacting to the mystery of life (hebel) with apathy, evil, or injustice. Wisdom is the true path to success.
No one knows the future, no matter what they might think. The foolish avoid industry, think they can control circumstances, and fill the air with many words—all of which leads to madness and weariness.
There is a time and place for pleasure, but when pleasure replaces industry, evil follows. Be judicious in what you say. Words have great impact and have a tendency to find their way to unintended audiences.
The main message of Chapter 10 is to avoid the pull of foolishness and stand firm in the solid foundation of wisdom. There are traps and dangers throughout society. Fools react to the mysterious, uncontrollable nature of the world by trying to tame and grasp everything around them. Life is a mystery. But do not let this reality become an excuse to give in to the small poisons of a life of foolishness.
To make this case, Solomon talks through the cause-and-effect of bad leadership in this world. Evil affects industry, perspective, and personal behavior. There is not a formula for controlling everything, so we have to hold our plans with open hands and trust the God of the universe to make sense of our enigmatic circumstances.
Solomon also uses this framework to talk about the careful administration of wisdom. A little folly goes a long way. And there are many chances for us to be foolish—following our own instincts, reacting to what others do, trying to control circumstances, just to name a few. These are also opportunities to exercise wisdom.
© 2025 The Bible Says, All Rights Reserved.
Set to dark mode