February 21, 2024

Are You Wasting Your Words?

Ecclesiastes 10

Rachel Hoff
Wednesday's Devo

February 21, 2024

Wednesday's Devo

February 21, 2024

Wednesday's Devo

February 21, 2024

Wednesday's Devo

February 21, 2024

Big Book Idea

God defines where true meaning is found.

Key Verse | Ecclesiastes 10:12

The words of a wise man's mouth win him favor,
but the lips of a fool consume him.

Ecclesiastes 10

1  Dead flies make the perfumer's ointment give off a stench;
    so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor.
2  A wise man's heart inclines him to the right,
    but a fool's heart to the left.
3  Even when the fool walks on the road, he lacks sense,
    and he says to everyone that he is a fool.
4  If the anger of the ruler rises against you, do not leave your place,
    for calmness 1 10:4 Hebrew healing will lay great offenses to rest.

5 There is an evil that I have seen under the sun, as it were an error proceeding from the ruler: 6 folly is set in many high places, and the rich sit in a low place. 7 I have seen slaves on horses, and princes walking on the ground like slaves.

8  He who digs a pit will fall into it,
    and a serpent will bite him who breaks through a wall.
9  He who quarries stones is hurt by them,
    and he who splits logs is endangered by them.
10  If the iron is blunt, and one does not sharpen the edge,
    he must use more strength,
    but wisdom helps one to succeed. 2 10:10 Or wisdom is an advantage for success
11  If the serpent bites before it is charmed,
    there is no advantage to the charmer.

12  The words of a wise man's mouth win him favor, 3 10:12 Or are gracious
    but the lips of a fool consume him.
13  The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness,
    and the end of his talk is evil madness.
14  A fool multiplies words,
    though no man knows what is to be,
    and who can tell him what will be after him?
15  The toil of a fool wearies him,
    for he does not know the way to the city.

16  Woe to you, O land, when your king is a child,
    and your princes feast in the morning!
17  Happy are you, O land, when your king is the son of the nobility,
    and your princes feast at the proper time,
    for strength, and not for drunkenness!
18  Through sloth the roof sinks in,
    and through indolence the house leaks.
19  Bread is made for laughter,
    and wine gladdens life,
    and money answers everything.
20  Even in your thoughts, do not curse the king,
    nor in your bedroom curse the rich,
for a bird of the air will carry your voice,
    or some winged creature tell the matter.

Footnotes

[1] 10:4 Hebrew healing
[2] 10:10 Or wisdom is an advantage for success
[3] 10:12 Or are gracious
Table of Contents
Introduction to Ecclesiastes

Introduction to Ecclesiastes

Timeline

Author

The author of Ecclesiastes calls himself “the Preacher” (1:1). Some interpreters have concluded that this was Solomon, while others think he was a role-playing writer later than Solomon. Either way, the book claims that its wisdom comes from the “one Shepherd” (12:11), the Lord himself.

Theme and Interpretation of Ecclesiastes

The theme of Ecclesiastes is the necessity of fearing God in this fallen, confusing world. Each human being wants to understand all the ways God is acting in the world, but he cannot, because he is not God. And yet the faithful do not despair but cling to God, even when they cannot see what God is doing. The Lord deserves his people’s trust. They can leave everything to him while they seek to understand what it means to “fear God and keep his commandments” (12:13). This is true wisdom.

Key Themes

  1. The tragic reality of the fall. The Preacher is painfully aware that the creation has been damaged by sin (7:29; Rom. 8:20, 22). He speaks as one who eagerly awaits the resurrection age (Rom. 8:23).
  2. The “vanity” of life. The book begins and ends with the exclamation, “Vanity of vanities! All is vanity” (Eccles. 1:2; 12:8). The phrase pictures something fleeting and elusive. All the endeavors and pleasures of earthly life are only temporary. When one sees the consequences of sin in this fallen world, one is left in utter frustration, anger, and sorrow. The more one tries to understand life, the more mysterious it becomes (1:12–18).
  3. Sin and death. By sinning, human beings forfeited the righteousness they originally had before God (7:29), and thus all people are sinners (7:20). Death was a result of the fall. The Preacher is only too aware of this dreadful reality that affects everyone (e.g., 2:14–17; 3:18–21; 6:6).
  4. The joy and the frustration of work. God gave Adam work to accomplish prior to the fall, but part of the punishment of his sin was that his work would become difficult (Gen. 2:15; 3:17–19). Both realities are seen in the Preacher’s experience, as he finds his work to be both satisfying (Eccles. 2:10, 24; 3:22; 5:18–20; 9:9–10) and aggravating (2:18–23; 4:4–8).
  5. The grateful enjoyment of God’s good gifts. The Preacher spends a great deal of time commenting on the twisted realities of a fallen world, but this does not blind him to the beauty of God’s world (3:11). Nor does it cause him to despise God’s good gifts of human relationships, food, drink, and satisfying labor (5:18–20; 8:15; 9:7, 9). These are to be received humbly and enjoyed fully as blessings from God.
  6. The fear of God. The fact that “all is vanity” should drive people to take refuge in God, fearing and revering him (7:18; 8:12–13; 12:13–14).

Outline

  1. Introduction and Theme (1:1–3)
  2. First Catalog of “Vanities” (1:4–2:26)
  3. Poem: A Time for Everything (3:1–8)
  4. Fear God, the Sovereign One (3:9–15)
  5. Second Catalog of “Vanities” (3:16–4:16)
  6. Fear God, the Holy and Righteous One (5:1–7)
  7. Life “Under the Sun” (5:8–7:24)
  8. The Heart of the Problem: Sin (7:25–29)
  9. More on Life “Under the Sun” (8:1–12:7)
  10. Final Conclusion and Epilogue (12:8–14)
The Global Message of Ecclesiastes

The Global Message of Ecclesiastes

Life in a Broken World

The book of Ecclesiastes explains the world in all its complexity, confusion, and frustration with striking honesty. “Vanity of vanities! All is vanity,” declares the Preacher, echoing the cries of many who have seen, experienced, and recognized the dreadful fallenness of our world (Eccles. 1:2). The global reality both then and now is that our broken world is filled with oppression of the powerless (4:1), oppression of the poor (5:8), and violation of justice and righteousness (5:8). There is nothing new under the sun (1:9), no lasting earthly glory (1:11), no ultimately fulfilling pleasure (2:1–11), and no certainty in life except that it will end in death and judgment (2:14–16; 3:18–20; 6:6; 12:14).

In a fallen world there are many painful and complicated questions, but the message of Ecclesiastes is that there is an answer. That answer is not an easy one, but it is simple: fear the Lord (Eccles. 3:14; 5:7; 12:13–14). Though this world is filled with oppression and injustice, ultimately it will be well for those who fear God (8:12) and it will not be well for the wicked (8:13).

This world is filled with both blessings and challenges, neither of which provides ultimate answers or clarity about the meaning of life. If this world is all there is, then all is vanity. But when we trust the Lord in the face of circumstances that discourage us from doing so, we have a sure hope that we will one day be restored to him. Indeed, from a whole-Bible perspective, there is one who is the way (John 14:6), who is the comforter (2 Cor. 1:3), who is wisdom itself (1 Cor. 1:24). We will not easily figure God out, nor can we fathom all that he does (Eccles. 3:11). He is not a subject to be scrutinized or solved, nor are his ways easily comprehended (8:17). But God has spoken to us in his Son, who gives us the words of eternal life (John 6:68).

Purpose in Life and the Purpose of Life

The message of Ecclesiastes is that however difficult things may be because of the curse upon mankind in this fallen world, there is purpose and grace for all. There is enduring hope and satisfying life as we walk with God. The very gifts of God that, apart from God, prove hollow and disappointing, can be enjoyed truly and satisfyingly—not as the main purpose of life but as a means to know God in a deeper way. Our message to the world is that there is purpose in life regarding the blessings we receive from God such as food, drink, and work, but that these blessings are not the purpose of life.

Purpose in life. There is a proper place, time, and perspective for each season in life and for each blessing from God (Eccles. 3:1–8). The blessings of common grace are to be recognized as coming from the very hand of God. Work and its enjoyment are blessings from God (2:24; 3:22; 5:18–20). There is purpose in life for work, but neither work itself nor the hoarding of possessions are the purpose of life. When work becomes the governing purpose of life, when envy is our driving force, or when we seek satisfaction in wealth, we are left disappointed (2:18–23; 4:4). There is purpose in life for other gifts of common grace such as food, drink, and relationships (2:24–26; 3:12–13; 5:18–20; 8:15; 9:7, 9). The proper enjoyment of such gifts comes from God, who alone satisfies (3:13; 5:19).

The purpose of life. This then is the purpose of life: to fear God, who is sovereign (Eccles. 3:11, 14), holy in heaven (5:2, 7), and judge of all (12:13–14). He is the Giver of gifts and the one who grants even the ability to enjoy these gifts (5:19). In receiving such gifts of life we are to find our greatest joy in him (5:20).

The Global Church’s Mission to a Broken World

The book of Ecclesiastes provides a brutally honest and refreshing message for the global church to proclaim to the world. In one sense the Christian message is other-worldly, yet it also addresses the sober realities that face each society and every individual in every generation. The message of the gospel not only affirms the disappointments of life, it also offers the only true hope for meaningful living.

The Giver and the gifts. There is a Creator to be worshiped (Eccles. 12:1). He has made all things. Life is to be enjoyed as being from him and to him. The world must recognize the blessed common grace they have received in creation, life, work, and possessions. They should enjoy such blessings, but not as the purpose of life. The global church has a message of hope for a world that is “striving after wind” (1:14). Clinging to the gift rather than worshiping the Giver is meaningless. The wealthy are not to be envied, for they find neither ultimate satisfaction nor eternal security in their wealth (5:10–17). It is far better to enjoy fellowship with the Giver rather than simply enjoying his gifts, however good they may be.

The ultimate gift. Enjoyment of God is available ultimately because he sent his Son to die on behalf of sinners. There is none who is righteous before God (Eccles. 7:20). No one can escape death (2:16; 9:3, 12). God’s ways cannot be easily or fully fathomed (3:11), but he has indeed revealed himself clearly and gloriously in the person of his Son Jesus Christ (John 14:9). In the Son we have seen the one who both demonstrates and also empowers what it means to truly fear and enjoy God. There is grace abundant for all who recognize the vanity of their selfish living and remember and fear their Creator (Eccles. 12:1) and Redeemer (Isa. 54:5).

A sure hope. While Ecclesiastes sobers us with the reminder that this fallen world is filled with injustice, it also offers hope. Christians are to be active in seeking justice and encouraging the oppressed within society (Isa. 1:17). But we need not despair at the imperfect justice of this world because God will bring final and perfect justice one day (Eccles. 3:17). For the oppressed and the victims of injustice this is indeed good news. It is not vanity to fear and follow God (8:10–13). To those in the global church who suffer under persecution for the sake of the gospel there is the comfort that God does indeed see them, take care of them, and remember them.

A sovereign Lord. There is one who is in control. God is in control when times are good and when times are bad (Eccles. 7:14). We are not in control—which is a great blessing, despite the ways in which we often seek to control our lives. Our message to the world is to abandon striving after control and to embrace the one who is in control. Every building and work of art will one day turn to dust, but there is one who is eternal and whose works last forever (3:14). Our message to the world is to abandon the quest for self-glory and the accumulation of possessions and to embrace the blessed and wise God-centered life of sober hope.

This is the glorious Christian vision for life that the church must embrace and display for the world to see.

Ecclesiastes Fact #1: Ecclesiastes

Fact: Ecclesiastes

Ecclesiastes encourages God’s people to trust him in a fallen and often confusing world, in which sin and heartache touch every corner of the globe. We are to “fear God and keep his commandments” (12:13), even when we cannot understand everything that is going on around us.

Ecclesiastes Fact #2: Vanity, vanities, and vain

Fact: Vanity, vanities, and vain

The words vanity, vanities, and vain occur nearly 40 times in Ecclesiastes. Their literal meaning is “vapor” or “breath,” so they are used to describe things that can be fleeting or elusive, like the search for meaning and purpose in life.

Ecclesiastes Fact #5: “Eat, drink, and be merry”?

Fact: “Eat, drink, and be merry”?

“Eat, drink, and be merry”? Ecclesiastes advises those who serve God to enjoy his gifts of food, drink, comfort, married life, and honest work (9:7–9; compare 2:24–26; 3:13; 5:19–20).

Study Notes

Eccles. 10:2 The “right hand” is often associated with strength in the OT. The Preacher is probably referring to the left to indicate weakness.

Study Notes

Eccles. 10:6–7 The Preacher is aware that the poor can possess wisdom and that the wealthy ruling classes can be corrupt.

Study Notes

Eccles. 10:8–12 The various disasters described in vv. 8–11 are all accidental, so the one who digs a pit is not necessarily intending to cause harm.

Study Notes

Eccles. 10:14 The fact that no man knows what is to be does not prevent a fool from making many unsupported predictions.

Study Notes

Eccles. 10:15 A fool’s toil in the fields is more tiring than others’ because he is unaware of things that would make his work easier.

Study Notes

Eccles. 10:19 Bread . . . wine . . . money. The Preacher comments favorably here on each of these. Money answers everything in that it can influence a situation to produce the result one desires.

S3:038 Ecclesiastes 10

Listen Now

Dive Deeper | Ecclesiastes 10

I'm sure we've all grown up hearing, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me."

God's Word goes against this time and time again. We learn from this passage in Ecclesiastes 10:12 that "[t]he words of a wise man's mouth win him favor," and foolish words can definitely cause harm. Your words can have consequences. In fact, sometimes not speaking is a sign of wisdom, for "calmness will lay great offenses to rest" (Ecclesiastes 10:4).

Wisdom is the ability to control your tongue. This is not something that comes naturally to many of us, but submission to the Holy Spirit and daily devotion to God can help us. "Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." (Galatians 5:16)

This passage in Ecclesiastes also explains that strength does not equal wisdom. We look at the digger, stone quarrier, lumberjack, ironworker, and even the snake charmer (Ecclesiastes 10:8-11), who are all tempted to rely on their own strength. But those of us in Christ know how, time and time again, we will fail by relying on our own abilities. Proverbs 28:26 tells us, "Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered."

Lastly, we can be tempted to think of ourselves as righteous when we practice self-control in our speech. But Ecclesiastes 10:20 also cautions us about our thoughts: "Even in your thoughts, do not curse the king, nor in your bedroom curse the rich . . . ." What we continually think about matters, because we know that ultimately it spills out to those around us. "For out of the heart come evil thoughts . . . ." (Matthew 15:19) Practicing self-control and living by the Spirit start by examining our hearts, confessing, and asking the Lord for forgiveness.

This month's memory verse

Yahweh! The Lord! The God of compassion and mercy! I am slow to anger and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness.

– Exodus 34:6b

Discussion Questions

1. Think of a time when your words had some hard or unintended consequences. How could that situation have played out differently if you were wise and yielded to the Spirit?

2. What words or thoughts are you holding on to today that you should surrender to God? Can you share these with community to help hold you accountable?

3. When are you tempted to think that your own strength or will is better than submitting to the Lord? How can you submit your pride to Him today and ask the Lord to guide you in your speech?

As we gear up to release even more features for Join The Journey in 2025, our staff team, unfortunately, no longer has the margin to continue to support the comment functionality. We have big things in store for Join The Journey 2025. Stay tuned!

MS

Michael Scaman

A new sustitute teacher comes the next day to lit class and it is Confusius, not one to waste words, who explains to the class why the wisdom in Ecclesiastes chapter 10 exceeds his own wisdom. Greetings, dear students! In this condensed reflection, we shall explore why Ecclesiastes' perspective, though different from mine, holds merit and wisdom. I will make 5 consise points. One point for each finger for memory. 1. Folly is no Light Weight - Beware: Ecclesiastes warns of the heavy impact of folly, where even a small misstep can overshadow wisdom and honor. This succinct observation reminds us of the inherent fallibility of human endeavors, urging humility in our pursuits. It is like finding one dead fly in an otherwise delicious meal. 2. Set the Heart's Inclination rightly. Ecclesiastes contrasts the heart of the wise, inclined towards righteousness, with that of the fool, drawn to folly. This depiction emphasizes the importance of moral discernment and inner harmony, prompting introspection and alignment with higher principles. Perhaps this is a limit of my philosophies as perhaps only God can change the inclinations of the heart. 3. Avoid Foolish Behavior: Through vivid imagery, Ecclesiastes portrays the folly of ignorance, cautioning against hubris. This serves as a sobering reminder of human frailty, urging us to confront our limitations and vulnerabilities. 4. Anger. Not fast blow or no blow but slow blow.: Ecclesiastes advises calmness in adversity, counseling against impulsive reactions. This sage counsel invites us to embrace tranquility amidst life's challenges, fostering resilience and equanimity. 5. Social order should be just. :Ecclesiastes keenly observes societal injustices, lamenting the perversion of social order. This critique compels us to confront systemic inequities, advocating for justice and righteousness. But like the other points because of our limitations in the end it will be God's mercies that accomplish this. In summary, while my teachings emphasize virtue and ethical conduct, Ecclesiastes offers profound reflections on the uncertainties of life. Through its poignant meditations on folly, wisdom, and justice, Ecclesiastes invites humility and introspection, enriching our understanding of the human condition. Thank you for joining me on this brief exploration past my usual views toward a more God centered view. Bell rings. Class dismissed
HS

Hugh Stephenson

Good morning, Rachel and all my Journey siblings- Looking back to the end of chapter 9, the notes indicate that chapter 10 elaborates on verses 9:19-10:1 I note the wisdom in the key verse is 10:12. “The words of a wise man's mouth win him favor, but the lips of a fool consume him.” In addition, I’m noting the other verses in this chapter that talk about the importance of careful and well considered speech – It seems to me that the verses just after verse 12 expand on that verse. 13 The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness, and the end of his talk is evil madness. 14 A fool multiplies words, though no man knows what is to be, and who can tell him what will be after him? It doesn’t take much time trolling through X, (Twitter), to see the truth of verse 14. Then verse 17- 17 “The words of the wise heard in quiet are better than the shouting of a ruler among fools. 18 Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.” See also Proverbs 17:28 in the ESV and NIV ESV “Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.” NIV “Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues.” Then there is Proverbs 10:19 19 When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent. In summary, I reprise this thought- So, I see these verses as highlighting the incredibly fragile nature of life in a general sense but particularly the fragile nature of righteousness.
HS

Hugh Stephenson

It’s apparent to most of us that the power of words is immense. What I have come to understand more recently is that the power of careless words is even greater. Whether it's saying something that should not be said, (which is bad), or NOT saying something that should be said, (which is far worse). I like this practice to consider before speaking- Does this need to be said? Does this need to be said by me? Does this need to be said by me now? In order to speak I need to say yes to all three. Just speaking out reactively is what Amy and I call “blurting”. I can’t think of a single time that I’ve “blurted” that it turned out to be the right action. I think most of us would like for our life to be remembered for the good things we said and did; our “victories”. The tragedy is that careless speech can come to be more memorable than any that was kind and gracious. It seems that there is nearly a daily example in the news of how a poor decision regarding speech permanently affects a person’s life. -A careless remark near an open mic -A spontaneous reaction in a press conference or interview What’s worse? -saying something that should not be said -not saying something that should be said
HS

Hugh Stephenson

A friend of mine and I recently had a contest with each other. Who had the biggest “foot-in-mouth” story. My friend was talking to one of his other friends – He told my friend that his wife was divorcing him. When asked why he said, “I don’t have a rewind button”. In other words, he often “blurted” remarks to his wife without thinking. Once said, he always saw in her reaction that he wanted to hit the rewind button. Eventually she had enough. ------------------------------------- Here is some great wisdom- Proverbs 15:4 “The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.” Colossians 4:6 “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” May my speech always be soothing and gracious. And no blurting.
GJ

greg jones

Good morning Rachel and congratulations. Really enjoyed reading your deeper dive. A lot of great points made for me to consider today. “But those of us in Christ know how, time and time again, we will fail by relying on our own abilities. Proverbs 28:26 tells us, ‘Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.’” There is a view of Ecclesiastes held by some that says the overall message of the book calls into question a primary component found in the theology of Deuteronomy, that is, it’s insistence on the transactional relationship with God. You also hear that transactional influence in the book of Proverbs also. [B]ut he who walks in wisdom will be delivered”. Be delivered always and forever? is a question asked in Ecclesiastes according to those who hold the different view. There is an evil that I have seen under the sun, as it were an error proceeding from the ruler: folly is set in many high places, and the rich sit in a low place. I have seen slaves on horses, and princes walking on the ground like slaves. Ecclesiastes 10:5-7 Those of the different view will say something like Ecclesiastes is full of those kinds of verses and they call into question the transactional nature of a Proverb like 28:26. It doesn’t call into question the wisdom of the verse, just the transactional component of the verse. In 10:5-7 Solomon, or the preacher, or Qoheleth, has seen an upside down world. He has seen slaves on horses and princes walking on the ground like slaves. He has seen folly set in many high places and the rich sit in a low place. As it were an error, coming from the ruler…what the preacher has seen is an evil under the sun. The wise under the sun are not in places of authority, they have no power. They are subject to the fate of those in power over them. Basically they are not delivered from something. Namely the results of bad decisions made by others. I kinda see what they’re saying but personally I’m just trying to figure out verses 16 and 20. Woe to the land whose king was a servant and whose princes feast in the morning. 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. Or someone could copy and paste them in a comment on social media.
MS

Michael Sisson

Re: Ec 10:2 See Eze 34:17, Mt 25:32-33.
JC

Jason Cromwell

"Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me. Obviously they have never been hit by a Dictionary." In life I would rather take a punch than have someone I love use their words against me. Of course I have. So many times it would have been better to "tick a lock." You only learn that as you age and mature, and by saying the right thing at the wrong time or vice versa. I'm a huge joker, and love to make people laugh. In my "Baby Christian" years I made an off hand remark, and everyone laughed around me. A few months later a sister in Christ came up to me and told me how that really affected her because unbeknownst to me she was going through a similar situation. So, it taught me pretty early on how even something as innocent could be profound in someone's life.
SB

Sue Bohlin

Thanks, Rachel. Verse 10 says, "If an iron axhead is blunt and a workman does not sharpen its edge, he must exert a great deal of effort". Years ago I heard a story about two woodcutters who had a lot of wood to chop. One stopped halfway through the morning to sharpen his axe while the other not only kept chopping, but made fun of the first guy for taking a break while he was moving ahead in the competition. The punchline, of course, was that the first guy who stopped to sharpen his axe several time throughout the day not only wasn't as exhausted as the second guy, but he ended up chopping more wood. The guy who wouldn't stop to sharpen his axe worked harder but didn't accomplish as much. That story has held me in good stead for decades. There are many ways to "sharpen my axe," and that's one of the reasons I get on a cruise ship as often as I can. So if you see me on a lounge chair on our upcoming spring break cruise, listening to the Chronicles of Narnia (again), just know I'm sharpening my axe. *smile*
AL

Amy Lowther

1. When anyone hangs out with a child, it’s important to remember how they hear everything said and see everything done. It is always important to think of the “whole picture”which the Spirit encourages. 2. None. 3. It is always tempting to think my strength and my will as better than and more useful than the strength and will of the Lord. By studying the Lord’’s words and applying what I learn from them in daily life, I can submit to Him and let Him guide me instead of doing it on my own. Rachel - Thank you for sharing your ideas. You made a good point in saying, “Practicing self-control and living by the Spirit start by examining our hearts, confessing, and asking the Lord for forgiveness”. The Spirit is a great helper in living life and seeing the “whole picture” as the Lord prefers.