As the Teacher nears the conclusion of his lessons, he imparts a collection of proverbs to his students, once again returning to the central theme of wisdom and folly. He cautions that even the smallest act of foolishness can undermine the careful work of the wise. Just as a few dead flies can ruin the aroma of fine perfume, so can a single foolish deed tarnish a person’s wisdom and honour.
“As dead flies give perfume a bad smell, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honour. The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but the heart of the fool to the left.” – Ecclesiastes 10:2 (NIV)
A wise person is inherently inclined to make the right decisions, whereas an unwise person often opts for misguided routes. When being pulled over for suspected DUI, the traffic police assess a person’s sobriety by observing their ability to walk in a straight line. Similarly, the folly displayed by the foolish is readily apparent, much like the unsteady walk of an intoxicated person clearly indicates their level of inebriation.
The Upside-Down World
“If a ruler’s anger rises against you, do not leave your post; calmness can lay great offences to rest.” – Ecclesiastes 10:4 (NIV)
When faced with anger from authority, wisdom teaches us to remain calm rather than flee. A composed response can diffuse even the most volatile situations. However, we may feel frustrated when we think our superiors lack competence. It’s a frustration many share, feeling that leadership is often inept. We believe that if roles were reversed, we could do a better job.
Fools are put in many high positions, while the rich occupy the low ones. I have seen slaves on horseback, while princes go on foot like slaves. – Ecclesiastes 10:6-7 (NIV)
The Teacher acknowledges this feeling and recognises that the upside-down nature of the world is common and expected. However, the Teacher here doesn’t know about the upside-down kingdom Jesus would later speak of. We shouldn’t be disheartened by such injustices, as God remains in control and places people in authority for a purpose. Instead, we must turn to Him to understand that purpose and follow the path He has laid out for us.
The Perils of Life
“Whoever digs a pit may fall into it; whoever breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake. Whoever quarries stones may be injured by them; whoever splits logs may be endangered by them.” – Ecclesiastes 10:8-9 (NIV)
The Teacher reminds us of the inherent dangers in everyday tasks. But should this prevent us from working? Certainly not. Work involves risks, but life without effort results in nothingness. We can’t stay idle out of fear of potential pitfalls. We need to pursue the purpose with which we were created and walk with our Father each day through the wilderness, which is this world.
“If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed, but skill will bring success.” – Ecclesiastes 10:10 (NIV)
Even without the right tools our tasks can still be accomplished through wisdom. We understand that even during the most challenging of circumstances, applying skill and insight can lead to success. We cannot complain that those under us are not good enough, as it is through our leadership and guidance that we can help them grow and improve. Likewise, in times of trouble when our hope is fading, we must continue to hold on to the hand of our Shepherd, Jesus, who reconnects us with our Father.
“If a snake bites before it is charmed, the charmer receives no fee. Words from the mouth of the wise are gracious, but fools are consumed by their own lips.” – Ecclesiastes 10:11-12 (NIV)
Like a charmer who loses his wage if he fails to control the snake, those who fail to manage their responsibilities or relationships will fail to receive their reward. This applies especially to our use of words and the failure to control our tounges. Fools destroy themselves with their own words, talking endlessly without substance. At the beginning of their speech, it may seem like mere folly, but it quickly escalates into madness. If we fail to control our tongues and end up hurting someone, we will have to face the consequences of our foolishness.
The Worldly Perspective
“Woe to the land whose king was a servant and whose princes feast in the morning. Blessed is the land whose king is of noble birth and whose princes eat at a proper time— for strength and not for drunkenness.” – Ecclesiastes 10:16-17 (NIV)
The Teacher seems to favour rulers of noble birth over those who rise from servanthood, which would make sense if he himself came from a noble lineage. He believes a noble king governs with wisdom and restraint, while a king of humble origins may be more prone to selfishness, impulsively accumulating wealth and making rash decisions. This reflects how we sometimes favour leaders from prestigious backgrounds, assuming they are better equipped for positions of power.
Such leaders, according to his view, may lack the wisdom to judge their people fairly or to plan strategic military actions with their generals. Similarly, some pastors believe that a church is blessed when its pastor has received theological training from a reputed seminary, as if this background alone makes them more fit for leadership.
Just as the condition of our homes reflects our neglect, the state of our churches reveals our resistance to change. Similarly, our spiritual and personal lives can decline when we become complacent. When our hearts are filled with anger, malice, and pride, it highlights the separation we’ve allowed to grow between ourselves and God.
“A feast is made for laughter, wine makes life merry, and money is the answer for everything.” – Ecclesiastes 10:19 (NIV)
This sentiment suggests that the pleasures of life—feasting, wine, and wealth—are central to human satisfaction. In a purely earthly sense, this appears logical: money can solve problems, throw lavish feasts, and bring temporary joy. However, this view is shallow, focusing on momentary pleasures and material solutions, leaving out the deeper needs of our souls.
The Teacher’s focus on money as the answer reflects the human tendency to place trust in what is tangible and immediate. However, Jesus calls us to trust in God, not in temporary pleasures or wealth. In Matthew 6:33, Jesus tells us, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Rather than chasing after money as the solution to all things, we are called to seek God’s kingdom, knowing He will provide for our needs in His perfect way.
Ultimately, the Teacher’s view of money as the key to everything is an example of the wisdom of this world, which can be alluring but is incomplete and temporary. Jesus offers a higher wisdom, that points us toward eternal treasures and fulfilment that can only be found in God.
“Do not revile the king even in your thoughts, or curse the rich in your bedroom, because a bird in the sky may carry your words, and a bird on the wing may report what you say.” – Ecclesiastes 10:20 (NIV)
The Teacher warns us to exercise caution even in our private thoughts and conversations, as words, once spoken, can easily reach unintended ears. This serves as a reminder to be mindful of what we say, particularly about those in positions of authority. Long before Orwell’s portrayal of constant surveillance in 1984, the Teacher recognised that “Big Brother” often took the form of gossiping neighbours, who could carry our words to those in power. As followers of Christ, we must live as if we are always under surveillance and strive to achieve the standards set by our Teacher, Jesus.
The Futility of Worry
“Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap.” – Ecclesiastes 11:4 (NIV)
The Teacher also highlights the paralysis caused by over-caution. Whoever is constantly worried about risks—whether it’s bad weather or poor market conditions—will never take action, whether it be sowing crops or investing in opportunities. In the same way, those who fear that being generous will diminish their own wealth will never have the heart to give to their brethren and for that matter do anything for God.
“Ship your grain across the sea; after many days you may receive a return. Invest in seven ventures, yes, in eight; you do not know what disaster may come upon the land.” – Ecclesiastes 11:1-2 (NIV)
The teacher advises his listeners to engage in numerous investment ventures, both in business and in life. He says that one should embrace a spirit of adventure and not fear failure or adversity, as the future is inherently unpredictable. He believes that diversification is prudent, as it mitigates the effects of potential losses.
Many people are advised to diversify their portfolios to secure financial stability, but is this approach aligned with God’s will? The Bible reminds us of a different perspective on wealth and security. The parable of the shrewd manager offers an interesting lesson. While he was praised for his wisdom in handling worldly wealth, the message goes beyond merely managing resources—it teaches the importance of preparing for what truly matters.
In today’s world, the temptation to focus on maximising returns is strong, but not everything in life is meant to yield a financial profit. There’s a deeper call to invest in things that cannot be measured by material gain. Jesus said, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21, NIV), reminding us that earthly treasures can distract us from eternal priorities.Consider a farmer who once stored up a vast amount of crops, thinking he was set for life. But the Bible says that very night his life was taken from him, and all his stored wealth became meaningless (Luke 12:16-21). This story teaches us that God wants us to place our trust in Him, not in our financial security.
Ultimately, it’s about faith, not fortune. Rather than worrying about accumulating treasures on earth, we are called to trust God’s provision and to focus on what truly lasts—our relationship with Him and how we use our resources to bless others. In all our pursuits—whether in work, relationships, or generosity—we must ultimately trust God, for we cannot fully understand His ways or control the outcomes. Instead of being paralysed by fear or over-caution, we are called to act with wisdom, faith, and trust.
Discussion Questions
- How should we respond when we feel frustrated with our superiors?
- Is it worth risking our lives to finish a job?
- Do our qualifications matter when we are working for God?
- Should we be investing in different ventures according to the teacher?
The Jordan Valley 
Reply