SCRIPTURE LESSON Ecclesiastes 10:1-20
Here are Solomon’s common-sense instructions (CSI). “Act like you got some sense” when it comes to:
- Lifestyle (1-3) What do we find here?
- Verse 1 – Reputation – “Little things can have great consequences.”
- Verse 2 – Inclination – “The start is in the heart.”
- Verse 3 – Demonstration – “Stupid is as stupid does.”
- Leadership (4-7, 16-17)
- Verse 4 – Terror – Some leaders produce terror. Here is the picture of a hotheaded boss. This is one easily angered who has no control over moods or temperament. See Eph. 4:26.
- Verse 5 – Error – All leaders make errors, some however, make great errors. Here is a leader who puts little people in big positions, while the one who is capable and competent is low man on the totem pole. Verse 16 – Princes = immature. Verse 17 – Princes = mature.
III. Labor (8-11, 15, 18)
- Verses 8-9 – Be Honest – These verses could be summed up in three phrases: “Set ‘em up, knock ‘em down, and take ‘em in.” We reap what we sow.
- Verses 10-11 – Be Handy – I think both of these verses have to do with “preparation”. In verse 11, I, also, think that it has to do with the get-rich-quick issue.
- Verses 15, 18 – Be Hardy – Verse 15 has to do with productivity and verse 18 to do with procrastination. Don’t let things go – get things done.
- Lips (12-14, 20)
- Verse 12 – Be Careful What You Speak –
- Verse 13 – Be Careful How You Speak – Here’s a first-class fool who’s an expert on every subject. He has too high a regard for his own opinions. He goes from foolishness to madness.
- Verse 20 – Be Careful Where You Speak
“Thoughts” = among your friends. How did you know all this? A little bird told me!” What you say, even among friends often gets broadcast. Your words may come back to bite you.