Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Advice to live by


Chapter ten is a mini version of the book of Proverbs full of advice, counsel and warnings. Let’s look at what Solomon is teaching:

Ecclesiastes 10:1  Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour: so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour.

When flies die and are in a perfume the perfume will stink, if you have a reputation of being wise and honourable you will ruin it with foolishness. Solomon is saying think before you do something, you do not want to ruin your “good name” with a foolish mistake.

A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold. Proverbs 22:1 

* * * * * * * * 

Ecclesiastes 10:2-3  A wise man's heart is at his right hand; but a fool's heart at his left. 3 Yea also, when he that is a fool walketh by the way, his wisdom faileth him, and he saith to every one that he is a fool.

Wise and foolish go in opposite directions. One can tell the difference between the wise and foolish by the way they act and speak.

The words of wise men are heard in quiet more than the cry of him that ruleth among fools. Ecclesiastes 9:17

Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding. Proverbs 17:28 

* * * * * * * *  

Ecclesiastes 10:4  If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great offences.

Take control of your anger, if someone over  you (i.e. ruler, boss) is angry don’t leave or quit but assess the situation and humble yourself. You need to respect the position of the one over you.

Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: … Hebrews 13:17 

It is not easy to do the right thing, but meditating on the word of God daily will help us to know the right way to go.

Have a blessed day,
Donna

No comments:

Post a Comment