Heritage Reformed Baptist Mission
ECCLESIASTES
Chapter 10
Ecclesiastes 10:1-20
v. 1 - Fits so well with 9:18 that it could have been v. 19 of that chapter
- A reputation that has taken years to acquire can be destroyed in a moment with one act of foolishness; therefore, take heed to Ephesians 4:1; 5:15; 1Thessalonians 5:22; Colossians 1:10; 1 Corinthians 5:6
v. 2 - In Scripture, the right hand is symbolic of might, power, authority, what is right; the left hand is symbolic of weakness, confusion, what is wrong
- The thought here is that a wise man goes about his life and business in the right way, pleasing to God, exactly opposite of how the fool lives
v. 3 - "walketh by the way" = the course of everyday life
- By words and actions, a fool reveals himself to be a fool wherever he goes
v. 4 - This verse, first of all, may apply to someone who holds a position in government who should not forsake his office though his superior be angry at him; rather, he should be submissive and seek to right the situation and, if the anger is justified, to correct in himself whatever caused the superior to be angry
- Secondary application, though of primary importance, can and should be made to anyone in any position under God-ordained authority (wife; child; employee), and ultimately to all under the authority of God to accept peacefully and humbly whatever chastisement is given for wrongs committed rather than rebelling and leaving the relationship (divorce; running away from home; quitting a job; backsliding)
vv. 5-7 - "evil . . . error . . . from the ruler" = whereas the ruler in the previous verse may have been correct in his anger toward a subordinate, the problem here is with the ruler himself; namely, a placing of persons in responsible positions based, not upon the merit or ability of the person, but upon the foolish whim of the ruler
vv. 8-10 - These proverbs describe a person who lives his life without considering the consequences of foolish actions, all of which could be avoided if he would but give wise forethought to what he is doing or is about to do or say
v. 11 - "babbler" = talkative person, especially one who has no tongue-control (cf. Proverbs 10:19); such a person's tongue is as hurtfully-venomous as the bite of a poisonous snake
v. 12 - A wise man speaks kindly, thoughtfully, and his words are edifying to others - cf. Ephesians 4:29
- A fools words not only are hurtful to others, but destructive to himself
NOTE: It is said that if you can't say something good about someone, don't say anything at all; but it would be more biblically stated, "If you can't say something good about someone, you'd better examine your attitude for a critical spirit and correct it."
v. 13 - The first words out of a fool's mouth identify him as a fool and the more he talks the more violent he becomes in his speech, especially if someone dares to correct or question him
v. 14 - A fool speaks as though he knows all about everything; is at no loss for words about any subject; is confident that he knows the future even though it is obvious none but God knows that - cf. James 4:13-16
v, 15 - Fools weary themselves (and others) in their vain efforts to know and understand and talk about weighty matters when they don't have common sense about the most ordinary things; for example, being able to select the right road (of which there is only one) to a prominent city; their foolishness, if not overcome by the grace of God, robs them of understanding the simplicity of the Gospel and, therefore, the way to the Heavenly City
v. 16 - "a child" = in understanding; judgment; matters of conduct
- "princes . . . morning" = intemperate; given to lusts and pleasures rather than government business
v. 17 - A king (leader) who is the son of those of noble character and is himself of the same, and who has princes (counselors) who give orderly attention to the business of government rather than their own lusts, is a blessing for any country; this may also be applied to a family, a business, a local church, or any other legitimate organization
v. 18 - As laziness and idleness destroy a building, so it will also destroy a government, a family, a local church, even a life, especially spiritual life
v. 19 - "money answereth all" = things that are temporal, such as food and wine for the mentioned feast, as well as things necessary for the operation of government; politicians who spend lavishly for their own lustful enjoyment must therefore impose heavy tax burdens upon the people in order to do the business of government
v. 20 - cf. Acts 23:5; Exodus 22:28; 1 Timothy 2:1-3
- "Civil government is so peculiarly of God, that he will have it supported for the benefit of mankind; and those who attempt to disturb it are generally marked by his strong disapprobation. And though there have been multitudes of treasons hatched in the deepest secrecy; yet, through the providence of God, they have been discovered in the most singular manner. This shows God’s care for government." - Adam Clarke