relationships (Ecclesiastes 10:1-20) Responsibilities and Wisdom

(Ecclesiastes 10:1-20)

Dead flies turn a perfumer’s oil rancid, so a little foolishness is more potent than wisdom and honor. 2 A wise person’s heart directs him toward the right, but the foolish person’s heart directs him toward the left. 3 Even when the fool walks along the road, his sense is lacking, and he demonstrates to everyone that he is a fool. 4 If the ruler’s temper rises against you, do not abandon your place, because composure puts great offenses to rest.

5 There is an evil I have seen under the sun, like a mistake that proceeds from the ruler: 6 foolishness is set in many exalted places while the rich sit in humble places. 7 I have seen slaves riding on horses and princes walking like slaves on the land.

8 One who digs a pit may fall into it, and a serpent may bite one who breaks through a wall. 9 One who quarries stones may be hurt by them, and one who splits logs may be endangered by them. 10 If the axe is dull and he does not sharpen its edge, then he must exert more strength. Wisdom has the advantage of bringing success. 11 If the serpent bites before being charmed, there is no benefit for the charmer. 12 Words from the mouth of a wise person are gracious, while the lips of a fool consume him; 13 the beginning of his talking is foolishness, and the end of it is evil insanity. 14 Yet the fool multiplies words. No person knows what will happen, and who can tell him what will come after him? 15 The labor of a fool makes him so weary that he does not even know how to go to a city. 16 Woe to you, land whose king is a boy, and whose princes feast in the morning. 17 Blessed are you, land whose king is of nobility, and whose princes eat at the appropriate time—for strength and not for drunkenness. 18 Through extreme laziness the rafters sag, and through idleness the house leaks. 19 People prepare a meal for enjoyment, wine makes life joyful, and money is the answer to everything. 20 Furthermore, in your bedroom do not curse a king, and in your sleeping rooms do not curse a rich person; for a bird of the sky will bring the sound, and the winged one will make your word known.

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

Just like a tiny dead fly can completely ruin a bottle of perfume, a few negative words can undo many positive accolades.  Therefore, we should be careful how we speak to people, especially to our loved ones, and most especially to our children.  One critical remark can undo ten positive comments.  The Lord tells us to do and speak everything in love, with self-control, compassion, grace and encouragement, even when there is a need to address bad behavior.  We also need to wisely speak wisdom, in order to guide and influence people towards truth and good behavior.

Now how can we wisely speak wise things if we do not know wisdom for ourselves?  Therefore, we should be continually looking into God's word to learn more about Him and His wisdom, truth and righteous.  And how can we consistently live in obedience as an example to others, if we ourselves still struggle with the flesh?  Therefore, we need to be continually looking to the Lord for His help, guidance and strength.  The more we lean on the Lord, the more "successful" we will be.  Even in our most challenging tasks, we will experience His joy, goodness and contentment!

Whether at home, school, work, church or out in the community, if anyone, even someone of authority, accuses us of something, we should not run away.  That only makes us look guilty and unreasonable.  Also, if we abandon our responsibilities, things will unravel, struggle or fall apart.  Instead, if we did do anything wrong, we should reconcile things.  Then, or otherwise, we should continue in what we are supposed to be doing, to the best of our ability.  We should take our responsibilities seriously, since others are depending on us.  And our responsibilities also include working on our relationships, with the Lord, and with others.  It is all about what is in our hearts, because whatever is in our hearts, like hatred, that will become evident.  So as we allow God and His love to reign in our hearts, this is what others will see.

This chapter shows us how vulnerable we are in this world.  No one is perfect, and life does not always seem fair or just, and countries are not always run as they should be.  But we don't have to worry about the insanity and evil all around us when the Lord Jesus Christ is our personal Savior and King.  We can be confident that the Lord will deliver justice and allow consequences, because He is sovereign, fair, just and perfect.  

Even if we suffer the consequences of other people's actions, we can still learn from our situations and grow stronger in the Lord, understanding that we can trust and rely on Him for everything.  Because He cares and He is able, His will answer our prayers in His way and at the appropriate time.  And as we strive to live a righteous life in His strength, wisdom and love, we can have confidence in the Lord, that He will bless our lives with His peace, hope and joy.