Ecclesiastes 10

Bible Passage: Ecclesiastes 10

Let’s see what the Wisdom says in this chapter:

True wisdom directs you and your way (v2)

A wise man’s heart directs him while a foolish man’s doesn’t. It says “towards the right” because the “right hand” signifies a place for the wisdom, honour, power and strength (Ps 60:5, 63:8, 108:6, Matt 22:44).

Wisdom gives the wise man true understanding and ability to manage, discern and judge the things in life and of things that belonged to God’s kingdom (Prov 1:2-3). There are simply too much things in life that we are entrusted to manage and handle – our actions, thoughts, speech, relationships, school, family, church and work commitments and responsibilities. Without the guidance of godly and true wisdom, it will be an uphill task for us to do the right thing. As a result, this may lead to certain unfavourable consequences, some of which are not reversible and may cause regrets for life.

Gaining spiritual wisdom is nothing like how we learn and acquire worldly knowledge, where the constant quest for knowledge over let’s say 3 years may transpire our efforts to a decent degree and a further 5 solid diligent years at work may progress us to the next executive level. The true wisdom that we ought to pursue diligently comes from God and He will grant this treasure to those who fear Him (Prov 2:5-6). The true wisdom will lead us to the right path and ultimately the salvation.

True wisdom springs gracious words (v12-15)

I checked and conclude that “gracious” in this context may refer to “its contents, form and manner of utterance, which will thus gain favour (Prov 13:15), affection and influence (Prov 22:11) from those who hear him”.

On the contrary, the lips of the fools (who do not have understanding to guide them) will lead him to destruction (swallow him up in v12). Their talks are described as “raving madness, multiplied words (v13-14)”. Such description is similar to gossip, the idle talk which is passed on from one to the other.

Words may scorch or strengthen relationships; it may create anger or remove great wrath; it may also create wars or bring peace. Sometimes, the wrong choice of words or conversations was due to either our weak moment in faith or simply lack of true wisdom.

Chapter 3 of the epistle of James teaches us a lot on the wisdom in speech. Words are powerful; it can either make or break a relationship. Being able to control our tongue well means we can control our hearts too, for “out of the abundance of the heart one’s mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45). Thus, true wisdom in our Christian life is also manifested through the conduct of our speech.

Similar to the verse quoted from Luke 6:45, King Solomon says the same in Proverbs – for out of the heart, springs the issues of life. In other words, our heart dictates our speech (4:23). If you think wicked, your speech will be, too. Therefore, let us pursue another type of true wisdom in our life – i.e. the perfectness in our speech.

“Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one” (Col 4:6).

May His grace be with you.