Ecclesiastes 10 - A Study Guide By Mark A. Copeland (2024)

"THE BOOK OF ECCLESIASTES"

Chapter Ten

OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER

1. To compare the harm of folly and the value of wisdom
2. To see the impact of folly on one's reputation, the government, andin business

SUMMARY

The Preacher continues to share wisdom that can help endure the manyvanities in life. This chapter is filled with proverbial statements,in which he first deplores folly and the affect it can have on one'sreputation (1-3).

The Preacher also describes how folly is often manifested in government,and in one's life and labors. The land suffers when governed by foolishmen, and labor is made even more difficult. Yet wisdom can bringsuccess to one's endeavors, and blessings to the land when found in theconduct of those who lead (4-20).

OUTLINE

1. FOLLY DEPLORED (10:1-3)
1. IT MARS THE FINEST OF REPUTATIONS (1)
1. Like dead flies putrefy the perfumer's ointment
2. So folly is to one respected for wisdom and honor
2. IT SERVES AS AN UNSAFE GUIDE (2)
1. The wise man's heart is at his right hand
2. The fool's heart is at his left hand (in the wrong place)
3. IT BETRAYS ITS OWN STUPIDITY (3)
1. A fool walks along the way without wisdom
2. He shows everyone that he is a fool
2. FOLLY MANIFESTED (10:4-20)
1. WHEN THE SPIRIT OF THE RULER RISES AGAINST YOU (4)
1. Do not leave your post
2. Allow conciliation to pacify great offense
2. WHEN FOLLY IS MANIFESTED IN GOVERNMENT AND LABOR (5-20)
1. An evil observed by the Preacher (5-7)
1. Error proceeding from the ruler
2. Folly exalted while the rich are debased
3. Servants in power while true princes are humbled
2. Those who labor with foolishness hurt and hinder themselves(8-10)
1. As illustrated through several examples given by thePreacher
2. The wisdom of the wise will know how to expedite his labors
3. The foolish seldom know how to restrain themselves (11-15)
1. They do not know how to hold their tongues
2. They do not know how to direct their labor
4. How folly and wisdom affect the condition of the country(16-19)
1. Woe to the land whose leaders...
1. Are childish and feast in the morning
2. Are lazy, resulting in broken down buildings
2. Blessed is the land whose leaders...
1. Feast at the proper time
2. Successfully rule, providing for true happiness andmeeting every need
5. Be careful what you say (20)
1. Do not curse the king
2. Do not curse the rich
3. For what you say will likely reach their ears

REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER

Show / Hide Answers

1. What are the main points of this chapter?

• Folly deplored (1-3)
• Folly manifested (4-20)

• As dead flies cause the perfumer's ointment to give off a foul odor

• At his right hand; at his left hand

• Even when he walks along the way

• By remaining at their post (i.e., maintaining their faithfulness)
• By seeking conciliation

• Error proceeding from the ruler
• Folly set in great dignity while the rich are set in a lowly place
• Servants on horses while princes walk on the ground

• Digging a pit, then falling into it
• Breaking through a wall, only to be bit by a serpent
• Being hurt by the stone one quarries
• Endangered by the wood one splits

• More strength; wisdom

• A serpent that may bite when not charmed

• Gracious
• Swallow him up

• Foolishness; with raving madness

• He multiplies his words
• His labor wearies him

• When the king is a child, and the princes feast in the morning

• When the king is the son of nobles, and princes feast at the propertime

• Decaying buildings and leaking houses

• Feasting is made for laughter
• Wine makes merry
• Money answers everything

• What you say (even in private) may eventually get back to them