Living with Purpose - 11
Studies in the book of Ecclesiastes - Chapter 10
Chapter 10 of the Book of Ecclesiastes picks up the theme at the end of chapter 9 and carries it on. At the end of the ninth chapter Solomon shows the value and benefit of possessing wisdom from God. He ends the chapter by saying in verse 16, “Wisdom is better than strength. ” In chapter 10 he shows why that is true, and why wisdom is worth having. Solomon recommends wisdom to us. When it is used it will help us to live correctly. It will save us from many mistakes.
The first benefit of wisdom is that it helps us to behave rightly. Verse 2 says, "The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but the heart of the fool to the left. " Are you right-handed or left-handed? I think Solomon must have been right handed. He uses the picture of a right-handed man trying to do something with his left hand and making a mess of it. Godly wisdom helps you to avoid fouling up your life. Many people have made a complete mess of their lives because they would not pay attention to good spiritual advice. So verse 3 says about the fool, "Even as he walks along the road the fool lacks sense and shows everyone how stupid he is. " The fool wanders aimlessly about, tripping here, slipping there. There is no stability or direction in his life.
The second benefit of wisdom is that it saves you from hasty decisions. Verse 4 says, "If a ruler's anger arises against you, do not leave your post, calmness can lay great errors to rest. " Here we have our responsibility to government. Solomon probably met with some insolent citizens. They may have rebelled in some way or would not pay their taxes! We are required to be good citizens. We are advised here that if we are guilty of an error, we must acknowledge it. We must not hide away from it. A calm, honest approach will bring a more favourable response from the authorities. This will create within their thinking a higher regard for us than if we ran away. They will be more inclined to "lay great errors to rest. " A wrong hasty unwise reaction will make matters worse. Wisdom helps us to react to our own faults correctly.
The third benefit of wisdom is it will save us from unwise decisions. Verse 6 says, "fools are put in many high positions, while the rich occupy the low ones. " By "rich" he means those rich in wisdom. Whoever made that decision made a foolish one. We have already seen how the "fool lacks sense". Wisdom demands that wise people are put in positions of responsibility. We have to make many decisions in life. All sorts of issues face us. There is a new challenge every day. We must always be guided by the wisdom of the Lord through his word. Paul prayed that the believers at Colosse would receive this wisdom. We read in Colossians 1 verse 9, "We have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. " Whatever decision you have to make if your mind is full of God's word, you will not go far wrong.
The fourth benefit of wisdom is it enriches your speech. Verse 12 says, "Words from a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but the fool is consumed by his own lips. " A person is known by their speech. Your choice of words reveal the real you. The wise person will be known by his sound and sober conversation. This should be the case with those who follow the Lord Jesus. We read Colossians 4 verse 6, "Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. " Christian leaders should especially be known for this. In Titus 2 verse 8 we read, "In teaching, show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned. "
The fifth benefit of wisdom is that it encourages a disciplined lifestyle. Verse 18 says, “If a man is lazy, the rafters sag; if his hands are idle the house leaks. ” Are you a handy man round the house? I know some love to be making and mending! If you are not, then I am sure when there is a problem you quickly get someone in to sort it out! The lazy man looks at what needs to be done and does nothing about it. So the house stays in a state of disrepair. Solomon refers to a lazy man's field full of thorns and weeds. He says in Proverbs 24 verses 33 and 34, "A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest - and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man. " Carelessness brings ruin and poverty. Diligence brings fruit and blessing. God expects his people to avoid a lazy attitude in life.
We read in 1 Thessalonians 4 verse 11, "Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you. " This is the biblical way to earn your money, to make provision for yourself and your family. It is also necessary for your spiritual health too. In Hebrews 6 verse 1 we read, "We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised. " The exercise of faith and patience demands di1igence and commitment.
The sixth benefit of wisdom is that it keeps you from holding a wrong attitude toward someone. Verse 19 says, "Do not revile the king even in your thoughts, or curse the rich in your bedroom, because a bird of the air may carry your words, and a bird on the wing may report what you say. " Now you know where the saying ''a little bird told me" comes from! It is amazing how well the grapevine system works! Bad feeling will be found out. It will be brought to light. It is best not to harbour bad thoughts about anyone. When rulers make a mistake, yet things are generally run well, don't be too severe in your judgement on them. Leadership is a difficult task. The Bible says in 1 Timothy 2 verses l and 2, "I urge then, that first of all, requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone - for kings and all those in authority. " In the same way, leaders in the Church need your prayers not your criticisms! Paul requested the prayers of the believers at Thessalonica. He says in 1 Thessalonians 5 verse 26, "Brethren, pray for us. " That is the greatest service you can do for your Pastor and Elders.
Wisdom is worth having. It has so many benefits. We have looked at just a few. So get wisdom, apply it to your life. You will quickly see the difference it makes.