Contrasting Wise And Foolish Behavior

Ecclesiastes 10:12-20

“The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself.  The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness: and the end of his talk is mischievous madness.  A fool also is full of words: a man cannot tell what shall be; and what shall be after him, who can tell him?  The labour of the foolish wearieth every one of them, because he knoweth not how to go to the city.” (Ecclesiastes 10:12-15)

One of the easiest ways of telling whether a person is wise or foolish is to listen to their talk.  A wise person’s words are polite, kind, and in good taste.  The fool says things that are rude, offensive and cruel, resulting in fights and people avoiding him.  Their opinions have little relation to fact, and tend to ignore or even gloat in the trouble they cause other people.  They always have an opinion and never question whether it is right, assuming everything will continue just as it is at the moment. 

Because he doesn’t know what he is doing and will not admit he doesn’t know, the fool exhausts his resources unnecessarily.  He will not accept other people’s suggestions or ask advice when he doesn’t know something.  Literally, they won’t even ask directions or check a map to see how to get where they want to go, often driving miles out of the way, even after they realize they are on the wrong road.

“Woe to thee, O land, when thy king is a child, and thy princes eat in the morning!  Blessed art thou, O land, when thy king is the son of nobles, and thy princes eat in due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness!” (Ecclesiastes 10:16-17)

An inexperienced or Immature leader devotes his energies to accomplishing relatively minor tasks or ineffective programs, neglecting far more important things.  Legislators who place their own comfort or agenda ahead of the state, going out for breakfast instead of getting down to business pass laws that benefit small special interests at the expense of the majority of the people.   The results are disastrous for the nation or state. 

 When the ruler of leader has a background of high moral character and leadership qualities, he tends to devote his energies to things that matter, and use his resources wisely.  When the legislators and bureaucrats are focused on what is needed rather than on their own greed, taking only what is necessary rather than trying to become rich, the nation prospers greatly. 

“By much slothfulness the building decayeth; and through idleness of the hands the house droppeth through.” (Ecclesiastes 10:18)

The second Law of Thermodynamics essentially states that everything deteriorates.   Buildings deteriorate just like everything else, but the process is fairly slow so regular maintenance can keep it in good shape.  Serious decay and deterioration indicates that needed maintenance has not been performed for a protracted period.   A collapsed roof indicates the owners have been too lazy to do even minimal maintenance for many years.  Houses that were built hundreds of years ago are still standing because the owners took care of them.    Taking care of business can prevent most problems.

“A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry: but money answereth all things.” (Ecclesiastes 10:19)

People hold parties to have fun, and a few drinks of wine can make person feel really good for a little while.  Money has a far greater impact than either one, and can divert people’s attention, even from far more important things.   In I Timothy 6:9-10, Paul warned, “But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.  For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” 

To see why something is being done it is always wise to “follow the money” to see who is benefitting from a specific action.  Doing so often reveals that the intent of the action was not what was described.  The desire for money can totally disrupt what you are trying to do.

“Curse not the king, no not in thy thought; and curse not the rich in thy bedchamber: for a bird of the air shall carry the voice, and that which hath wings shall tell the matter.” (Ecclesiastes 10:20)

Understand that a secret isn’t secret once someone else knows it.  Things that were said in a private conversation may be overheard and repeated, and things that were written in a private diary may become public knowledge.  It is better not to say things other people might take offense about because there is no way to be sure they will not find out you said them.