In a messed up world, how much folly is there in human life? Let’s look at Ecclesiastes 10.
What does a little foolishness do to a life normally filled with wise choices?
A few dead flies in perfume make all of it stink, and a little foolishness outweighs a lot of wisdom. Sensible thoughts lead you to do right; foolish thoughts lead you to do wrong. Fools show their stupidity by the way they live; it's easy to see they have no sense. Don't give up your job when your boss gets angry. If you stay calm, you'll be forgiven. (Ecc 10:1-4 CEV)
Have those in charge of our world often put the foolish in charge and demoted the wise?
Here’s another tragedy that I’ve observed on earth, a kind of error that comes from an overseer: Foolishness is given great honor, while the [talented] prosperous sit in lowly places. And I have observed servants riding on horses, while princes walk on the ground like servants. (Ecc 10:5-7 ISV)
Does the one who does evil actually set a trap for himself?
He who digs a pit will fall into it, and a serpent will bite him who breaks through a wall. He who quarries stones is hurt by them, and he who splits logs is endangered by them. If the iron is blunt, and one does not sharpen the edge, he must use more strength, but wisdom helps one to succeed. If the serpent bites before it is charmed, there is no advantage to the charmer. (Ecc 10:8-11 ESV)
What is the difference between how a fool talks and a wise person?
The words from the mouth of a wise man are gracious, but the lips of a fool consume him. The beginning of the words of his mouth is folly, but the end of his speaking is evil madness. Yet the fool multiplies words. No one knows what will happen, and who can tell anyone what will happen after him? The struggles of fools weary them, for they don’t know how to go to the city. (Ecc 10:12-15 HCSB)
How much do lazy leadership, bribery, and gossip impact a country?
Woe to thee, O land, when thy king is a child, and thy princes eat in the morning! Blessed art thou, O land, when thy king is the son of nobles, and thy princes eat in due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness! By much slothfulness the building decayeth; and through idleness of the hands the house droppeth through. A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry: but money answereth all things. Curse not the king, no not in thy thought; and curse not the rich in thy bedchamber: for a bird of the air shall carry the voice, and that which hath wings shall tell the matter. (Ecc 10:16-20 KJV)
What if we lack wisdom, who do we ask, and with what attitude should we ask?
But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith, doubting nothing, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. (James 1:5-6 LSB)
In a messed up world, how much folly is there in human life? You decide!
