See earlier posts for the rationale of this blog. This section deals with the wickedness of childish leadership. But there is danger in criticizing such leadership. "Woe to you, O land whose king was a servant and whose princes feast in the morning." (Ecc 10:16 NIV) The NET Bible captures the sense of this verse better. "Woe to you, O land, when your king is childish, and your princes feast in the morning!" (Ecc 10:16 NET) This is in contrast with the next verse which talks about nobility. Children are not physically, mentally or emotionally capable of handling the rigors of leadership. So it is true of the "king" who acts childish. Not only is he acting childish but his "princes" also follow his lead. Feasting in the morning was a sign that the leader was intemperate. A word we don't use much in our society anymore. The word means an excessive indulgence in alcoholic beverages. It is generalized to refer to any behavior that is an immoderate indulgence in any appetite or passion. The childish "king" and his princes do not know how to manage their appetites or passions. Thus at times when "kingly things should be being performed the "king" is indulging himself in drunkenness. He leads his princes, those who assist him in his duties, into profligate behavior as well.
The following verse is a contrast to this condition. " Blessed are you, O land whose king is of noble birth and whose princes eat at a proper time-- for strength and not for drunkenness." (Ecc 10:17 NIV) The land here is a personification of the land and a metonymy. The land stands for the people of the land. A leader who knows when to eat and drink for sustenance rather than indulgence is a blessing to his people. He exercises constraint and discipline. noble birth birth means literally a "freeman" throughout Semitic parallels. A noble king sets an example for those who rule under him. They follow his example of discipline and restraint.
An entire book could be written on these verses when it comes to leadership. I have seen both types and I would much rather function under a leader who disciplines himself and leads his managers by the same example. Much talent is wasted and many business relationships are lost due to the excess of alcohol when temperance would have won the battle. A childish king does not know how to lead. A noble king knows the proper time for things (cf. 3:1-8).
"If a man is lazy, the rafters sag; if his hands are idle, the house leaks."
(Ecc 10:18 NIV) Interpreters do not seem to see what the connection is to the previous flow of thought. While not easy it is not impossible either. Leadership sets the pace, the course, if you will for a nation. If the leaders do not show proper diligence then the rank and file citizens will not exercise prudence and oversight over their own homes. Lazy leaders breed lazy citizens.
"A feast is made for laughter, and wine makes life merry, but money is the answer for everything." (Ecc 10:19 NIV) This verse may be harder to fit into the context than verse 18. The idea of feasting at the wrong time has been introduced in verses 16-17. The author appears to broaden the concept in verse 19 here. Feasting in and of itself is not wrong. Done at the improper time is unwise. He introduces money with the concept here. Feasts are not lasting. They vanish just like the blowing of the wind upon which metaphor the book is build. Money either can vanish or it can be the answer for everything. Just as feasts can strengthen men so they can lead to indolent indulgence.
"Do not revile the king even in your thoughts, or curse the rich in your bedroom, because a bird of the air may carry your words, and a bird on the wing may report what you say." (Ecc 10:20 NIV) This is the ancient equivalent of our American saying "the walls have ears." Cursing the king or the rich suggests an unequal power factor When things are said that may be useful to the king to know. Friendships or servant alliances may be sacrificed for ingratiation or monetary gain.
Solomon understood great power and he understood the intrigues of kingship and the court. Witness the civil revolt led by his brother Absalom against his father David. Solomon warns against saying anything against those who have power because they have power to help you but also they have the power to hurt. In this instance it would be hurt based purely upon hearsay evidence, something said in your bedroom or even in your thoughts gets to the king, and it does not go well with you.
"Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again." (Ecc 11:1 NIV) In the face of uncertainty: foolish kings, a self indulgent administration poor work habits from the rank and file. Solomon tells the reader to be diligent in the investing of resources. This is a maxim that will help to stop the adverse and unpredictable circumstances that can befall one who lives under the son.
Solomon goes on to give another piece of sage advice. "Give portions to seven, yes to eight, for you do not know what disaster may come upon the land." (Ecc 11:2 NIV) This is the principle of diversification (see Gen 32:7-8). Solomon did this apparently. Evidence has been found that his ships actually sailed as far as South American!!
This section has been about the uncertainty of leadership. It shows us that when leaders do not lead than the average citizen is hard pressed to do his part and stay motivated to keep even his own house in order. In the face of such an upside-down motivational environment, working diligently, wisely and diversifying resources gives one the best chance of success in insecure world.
How well do we do diversify our interests? In an age when it is hard to watch our shrinking savings account can we diversify? I know it is hard for me. Let's think outside the monetary aspects. What strengths, talents, passions and drives can be translated into a much greater advancement for yourself? You never know until you try. Remember you are the only one who can limit you. Our time is up for today: Keep coming back it works if you work it and you're worth it.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Sunday, November 15, 2009
The Solomon Project-- Ecclesiastes 10:11-15
This blog is for those who suffer from addictive and compulsive behaviors. Particularly sexual addiction. It is based on the biblical book of Ecclesiastes. It is written to apply to a broad range of world views. It is my hope that those who read this blog will find wisdom, comfort and hope as they struggle with sexual addictive and compulsive behaviors.
The thought of the previous verses continues: "If a snake bites before it is charmed, there is no profit for the charmer." (Ecc 10:11 NIV) Solomon is presenting the benefits and limitations of wisdom in this series of proverbs. Here he demonstrates that wisdom is necessary in dangerous situations i.e. charming snakes, a dangerous task indeed! However timing is important. No matter how skillful you are if it is not applied at the right time one can get hurt badly.
"Words from a wise man's mouth are gracious, but a fool is consumed by his own lips." (Ecc 10:12 NIV) Solomon directs his attention to human interaction now and away from the dangers of occupation. See Proverbs 13:15 and 22:1. The concept here is that the wise man's words win him favor. The contrast is with the fool who is "consumed" by his own words. Probably what would apply here is that the fool not only talks others to death but also talks himself to death. The wise man's words show him to be skillful in living life the fool's words literally turn upon themselves and the fool is eaten alive by them.
The author continues his observations about the words of the fool: "At the beginning his words are folly; at the end they are wicked madness--" (Ecc 10:13 NIV) This verse is a very good example of the figure of speech called a merism. Solomon gives both ends of the spectrum "the beginning" and "the end--and everything in between." Meaning from start to finish. They start in folly and end in wicked madness. It doesn't sound like someone you would want to carry on a conversation with.
Solomon continues to pile on the comparisons and contrasts: "and the fool multiplies words. No one knows what is coming-- who can tell him what will happen after him? (Ecc 10:14 NIV)" The multiplication of words will continue because he doesn't know when to stop. The constant barrage of words never gives the fool time to think that know one knows the future--he doesn't--he doesn't even know the way to town (10:3, 10:15). Also he can't know what will happen after him. After he is dead.
Are we, both male and female, men and women of few words? Are those words gracious (10:12) Gracious words are looked at primarily as benefiting the speaker in this instance. There are other instances where the wise person's speech benefits others. We are known by our words. We are also judge on behaviors. Words are powerful and can do great good or harm. What are our words like today. As addicts and compulsive people we lash out in anger sometimes saying hurtful things for which some regressive step work will have to be done. There are consequences to our actions. As we move into recovery we will probably use less words and have them carry more meaning for us and those around us.
"A fool's work wearies him; he does not know the way to town." (Ecc 10:15 NIV) Rather than invigorating a person, work for the fool tires him out. Solomon has urged the reader to find enjoyment under the sun all the days of his life in his work that God has given him to do. But the fool is tired of and by his work.
The last part of the verse is hyperbole an overeggageration for effect. contemporary sayings might be "He doesn't have enough sense to come in out of the rain." One perhaps more dated but some may relate to is "He can't think himself out of a phone booth." The fool had been to town many times. In fact in these times they lived in towns. They worked outside the walls of the city and came in at night for protection. They last part of the Proverb means that he doesn't know how to Carry on the most basic parts of life even though he knows them well. Are any of us in this state? Addiction has so mapped our brain that we have left our "hometown" so to speak and can't find our way back. Perhaps you find yourself far from friends who love you and are angry at them because they have "moved" Yet your are the one who is lost and can't find your way back to your home town.
This week we have looked at limitations and benefits of wisdom and the sheer madness of foolish words and actions. Wisdom though limited has the ability to help us along our path in recovery. As we practice sobriety and recovery, we we learn that nothing is sure but the alternative will leave us a long long way from where we want to be.
The thought of the previous verses continues: "If a snake bites before it is charmed, there is no profit for the charmer." (Ecc 10:11 NIV) Solomon is presenting the benefits and limitations of wisdom in this series of proverbs. Here he demonstrates that wisdom is necessary in dangerous situations i.e. charming snakes, a dangerous task indeed! However timing is important. No matter how skillful you are if it is not applied at the right time one can get hurt badly.
"Words from a wise man's mouth are gracious, but a fool is consumed by his own lips." (Ecc 10:12 NIV) Solomon directs his attention to human interaction now and away from the dangers of occupation. See Proverbs 13:15 and 22:1. The concept here is that the wise man's words win him favor. The contrast is with the fool who is "consumed" by his own words. Probably what would apply here is that the fool not only talks others to death but also talks himself to death. The wise man's words show him to be skillful in living life the fool's words literally turn upon themselves and the fool is eaten alive by them.
The author continues his observations about the words of the fool: "At the beginning his words are folly; at the end they are wicked madness--" (Ecc 10:13 NIV) This verse is a very good example of the figure of speech called a merism. Solomon gives both ends of the spectrum "the beginning" and "the end--and everything in between." Meaning from start to finish. They start in folly and end in wicked madness. It doesn't sound like someone you would want to carry on a conversation with.
Solomon continues to pile on the comparisons and contrasts: "and the fool multiplies words. No one knows what is coming-- who can tell him what will happen after him? (Ecc 10:14 NIV)" The multiplication of words will continue because he doesn't know when to stop. The constant barrage of words never gives the fool time to think that know one knows the future--he doesn't--he doesn't even know the way to town (10:3, 10:15). Also he can't know what will happen after him. After he is dead.
Are we, both male and female, men and women of few words? Are those words gracious (10:12) Gracious words are looked at primarily as benefiting the speaker in this instance. There are other instances where the wise person's speech benefits others. We are known by our words. We are also judge on behaviors. Words are powerful and can do great good or harm. What are our words like today. As addicts and compulsive people we lash out in anger sometimes saying hurtful things for which some regressive step work will have to be done. There are consequences to our actions. As we move into recovery we will probably use less words and have them carry more meaning for us and those around us.
"A fool's work wearies him; he does not know the way to town." (Ecc 10:15 NIV) Rather than invigorating a person, work for the fool tires him out. Solomon has urged the reader to find enjoyment under the sun all the days of his life in his work that God has given him to do. But the fool is tired of and by his work.
The last part of the verse is hyperbole an overeggageration for effect. contemporary sayings might be "He doesn't have enough sense to come in out of the rain." One perhaps more dated but some may relate to is "He can't think himself out of a phone booth." The fool had been to town many times. In fact in these times they lived in towns. They worked outside the walls of the city and came in at night for protection. They last part of the Proverb means that he doesn't know how to Carry on the most basic parts of life even though he knows them well. Are any of us in this state? Addiction has so mapped our brain that we have left our "hometown" so to speak and can't find our way back. Perhaps you find yourself far from friends who love you and are angry at them because they have "moved" Yet your are the one who is lost and can't find your way back to your home town.
This week we have looked at limitations and benefits of wisdom and the sheer madness of foolish words and actions. Wisdom though limited has the ability to help us along our path in recovery. As we practice sobriety and recovery, we we learn that nothing is sure but the alternative will leave us a long long way from where we want to be.
Monday, November 9, 2009
The Solomon Project Ecclesiastes 10:5-10
The rationale for this blog can be found on earlier posts. If you are not familiar with the reason for this blog please avail yourself of the opportunity to do so.
How did things go with the authorities this week? The pastor, policeman, local politician, national politicians, the football coaches? How about the doctors, dentists, eye doctors, other health care officials you came in contact with? The author some call him Qohelet, the preacher, begins another line of thinking now. The determinative marker we have come to recognize is in place here--"There is an evil I have seen under the sun . . ." The author will present us with a story to teach the lesson. "There is an evil I have seen under the sun, the sort of error that arises from a ruler:" (Ecc 10:5 NIV) The evil arises from an error. Solomon has spent much time providing us with illustrations and anecdotes that lead us to accept that we live in a less than perfect world--errors can and do happen. Decisions are made every day that are less than perfect. Solomon is saying that out of those can come evil. He starts by talking about the source of the error. It comes from a ruler. Those that are in authority. He continues on: "Fools are put in many high positions, while the rich occupy the low ones." (Ecc 10:6 NIV) Because of the errors of those in authority fools are in high positions and the rich are in the low positions. The fool has authority and can't even find his way on the road (10:3). The rich (perhaps here in wisdom from our point of view) are placed in parallel to the fools. In Israelite society the rich should have had these opportunities but did not. They held lowly positions instead. Have you ever been in that situation? Through the error in judgment of one of your superiors you have a fool for a boss? Or you may have observed it in our list above. It happens. Remember the previous verse though: Calmness before an angry ruler lays great errors to rest. Qohelet turns the way things are supposed to be upside down with this example. Life isn't supposed to be this way. Calmness and wisdom can help us get through it.
In the next verse Solomon presents another variation on a theme. "I have seen slaves on horseback, while princes go on foot like slaves." (Ecc 10:7 NIV) Errors in judgement, says Qohelet, turns the world upside down. The entire social order can be turned on its "ear." Ours is a fairly stable society we don't see a lot of change like this but Solomon saw it. His descendants after him proliferated and endured much more.
"Whoever digs a pit may fall into it; whoever breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake." (Ecc 10:8 NIV) This proverb placed here has caused many to make valiant attempts to tie it to the previous contexts. First what does the proverb say? Basically that there is always a danger that your occupation while a seemingly mundane activity carries the potential for danger. How does this tie into the context. Harm can come through rulers and those in authority but harm can come to one who is simply doing his job. He doesn't need the intrusion of a foolish ruler to incur that harm. Workmen are harmed in various degrees of severity everyday from crane accidents to a cut on the hand requiring only a bandage. These are part of living life "under the sun" These mundane accidents can be much easier to take than a foolish ruler who can wreck much more damage.
The next verse presents more severe mishaps. "Whoever quarries stones may be injured by them; whoever splits logs may be endangered by them." (Ecc 10:9 NIV) The same idea is carried on here from the previous verse, a Hebrew technique of extended comparative parallelism of thought "Accidents happen." The fitfulness of this is that if (and Solomon believes that it is) the divine providence of God is at work at all it does not necessarily provide comfort in the Topsy-turvy world under the sun.
Some have called this next verse the most enigmatic in the entire book of Ecclesiastes. "If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed but skill will bring success." (Ecc 10:10 NIV) This is perhaps one of those verses whose grammatical nuances escape us through the course of time. The connection is to the last phrase of the previous verse, that of log splitting. Splitting logs will take more work with an unsharpened ax. The wise workman will sharpen the ax in order to insure that he remains safe as he works. That may be the paradox here. One might think that sharp tools are dangerous, but in the hands of skilled workmen they are more effective. The word wisdom ends this verse in the original text, that I think is the key. One person has translated this verse "If the axe is blunt and the edge is not sharp, then he must increase his efforts. But the advantage of wisdom is success." (Longman 243)
How can this apply to those who suffer from addictive and compulsive behaviors particularly sexual addiction. We may want to battle against what we perceive as fools in charge. Can we use the steps to helps us through difficult circumstances? Can we rely upon our higher power to enable us to make wise choices. Wisdom and skill apply not only to making our way through life with those in authority but applying the skills to living in recovery. We work skillfully at maintaining sobriety and increasing in recovery. The wise workman works smarter not harder. Are you applying great effort to sobriety and recovery? Are there new ways to use the tools you have to gain greater growth with less effort. Are there new tools to obtain that will increase your skills. Our time is up for today. Keep coming back it works if your work it and you're worth it.
How did things go with the authorities this week? The pastor, policeman, local politician, national politicians, the football coaches? How about the doctors, dentists, eye doctors, other health care officials you came in contact with? The author some call him Qohelet, the preacher, begins another line of thinking now. The determinative marker we have come to recognize is in place here--"There is an evil I have seen under the sun . . ." The author will present us with a story to teach the lesson. "There is an evil I have seen under the sun, the sort of error that arises from a ruler:" (Ecc 10:5 NIV) The evil arises from an error. Solomon has spent much time providing us with illustrations and anecdotes that lead us to accept that we live in a less than perfect world--errors can and do happen. Decisions are made every day that are less than perfect. Solomon is saying that out of those can come evil. He starts by talking about the source of the error. It comes from a ruler. Those that are in authority. He continues on: "Fools are put in many high positions, while the rich occupy the low ones." (Ecc 10:6 NIV) Because of the errors of those in authority fools are in high positions and the rich are in the low positions. The fool has authority and can't even find his way on the road (10:3). The rich (perhaps here in wisdom from our point of view) are placed in parallel to the fools. In Israelite society the rich should have had these opportunities but did not. They held lowly positions instead. Have you ever been in that situation? Through the error in judgment of one of your superiors you have a fool for a boss? Or you may have observed it in our list above. It happens. Remember the previous verse though: Calmness before an angry ruler lays great errors to rest. Qohelet turns the way things are supposed to be upside down with this example. Life isn't supposed to be this way. Calmness and wisdom can help us get through it.
In the next verse Solomon presents another variation on a theme. "I have seen slaves on horseback, while princes go on foot like slaves." (Ecc 10:7 NIV) Errors in judgement, says Qohelet, turns the world upside down. The entire social order can be turned on its "ear." Ours is a fairly stable society we don't see a lot of change like this but Solomon saw it. His descendants after him proliferated and endured much more.
"Whoever digs a pit may fall into it; whoever breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake." (Ecc 10:8 NIV) This proverb placed here has caused many to make valiant attempts to tie it to the previous contexts. First what does the proverb say? Basically that there is always a danger that your occupation while a seemingly mundane activity carries the potential for danger. How does this tie into the context. Harm can come through rulers and those in authority but harm can come to one who is simply doing his job. He doesn't need the intrusion of a foolish ruler to incur that harm. Workmen are harmed in various degrees of severity everyday from crane accidents to a cut on the hand requiring only a bandage. These are part of living life "under the sun" These mundane accidents can be much easier to take than a foolish ruler who can wreck much more damage.
The next verse presents more severe mishaps. "Whoever quarries stones may be injured by them; whoever splits logs may be endangered by them." (Ecc 10:9 NIV) The same idea is carried on here from the previous verse, a Hebrew technique of extended comparative parallelism of thought "Accidents happen." The fitfulness of this is that if (and Solomon believes that it is) the divine providence of God is at work at all it does not necessarily provide comfort in the Topsy-turvy world under the sun.
Some have called this next verse the most enigmatic in the entire book of Ecclesiastes. "If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed but skill will bring success." (Ecc 10:10 NIV) This is perhaps one of those verses whose grammatical nuances escape us through the course of time. The connection is to the last phrase of the previous verse, that of log splitting. Splitting logs will take more work with an unsharpened ax. The wise workman will sharpen the ax in order to insure that he remains safe as he works. That may be the paradox here. One might think that sharp tools are dangerous, but in the hands of skilled workmen they are more effective. The word wisdom ends this verse in the original text, that I think is the key. One person has translated this verse "If the axe is blunt and the edge is not sharp, then he must increase his efforts. But the advantage of wisdom is success." (Longman 243)
How can this apply to those who suffer from addictive and compulsive behaviors particularly sexual addiction. We may want to battle against what we perceive as fools in charge. Can we use the steps to helps us through difficult circumstances? Can we rely upon our higher power to enable us to make wise choices. Wisdom and skill apply not only to making our way through life with those in authority but applying the skills to living in recovery. We work skillfully at maintaining sobriety and increasing in recovery. The wise workman works smarter not harder. Are you applying great effort to sobriety and recovery? Are there new ways to use the tools you have to gain greater growth with less effort. Are there new tools to obtain that will increase your skills. Our time is up for today. Keep coming back it works if your work it and you're worth it.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
The Solomon Project Ecclesiastes 9:17-10:4
"Those whom God wishes to destroy he first makes mad" (Euripides, Fragment) This may be a fitting introduction to this section. Anger and rage can bring down powerful figures, in our lives and in the world. “The quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded than the shouts of a ruler of fools.” (Ecc 9:17 NIV). Solomon gives us the Proverb here as well. This is a paradox: Quietness overcomes the shouting. How many times have you observed those who attempt to get their way by shouting? Many times it works. Many times it is connected with anger and rage. It can get you what you want but it will be at a tremendous price—relationships.
“Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.” (Ecc. 9:18 NIV) Solomon gives us another Proverb. Wisdom can be very powerful. This becomes a variation on a theme. The battle is not necessarily to the strong (9:11). Just as one person with wisdom can be powerful (9:14-15). So one person who is a sinner—one who does not follow the laws of God “under the sun.” can destroy much good. How many times have you or we seen people who through their actions destroy a great quantity of good. Governor Mark Samford is a good example. He threw away his marriage his family and his political career for his mistress. Much good was destroyed there.
As dead flies give perfume a bad smell, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor. (Ecc 10:1 NIV) In our English translation this starts a new chapter but it is the continuation of the thought of 9:17-18. A short refresher on Proverbs my be in order here. Proverbs are short pithy sayings that come in riddle form that make the reader think about the parallels that the comparisons makes. The fit well into the context and structure of Ecclesiastes because the book evokes thought in the reader much like the Proverb does. The comparisons and variations on a theme in the book are like one large Proverb. Back to our Proverb at hand. Just as one sinner destroys much good. so a dead fly in perfume contaminates the perfume. The dead fly is out of place. The contamination spreads. It destroys the entire bottle. Solomon is making the comparison that things that are folly may be small but they can do great harm. Small day to day acts wisdom can be overturned or nullified by one act of folly. Enter the exhibit of the person who may appear to lead a fulfilling life. They have a spouse, family, a dignified position and career. Those who suffer from addiction and compulsivity will and everyday do risk it all in an act of insane impulsive/compulsive behavior.
"The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but the heart of the fool to the left." (Ecc 10:2 NIV) The right meaning the right hand. The right hand was the place of protection (Ps. 16:8, 110:5, 121:5). The left would then be in the opposite direction. The heart was the seat of the mind and emotions. It was the thought processes of the person and the seat of all emotional reaction. Solomon is saying here that wisdom is not just rote behavior, but deep thought and the innermost motives and drives direct behavior based upon wisdom.
The proverb is then followed with an example. "Even as he walks along the road, the fool lacks sense and shows everyone how stupid he is." (Ecc 10:3 NIV) An absurd example but given to prove a point. The fool in his behavior doing the most common of things shows everyone how foolish he is. Our modern Proverb "He doesn't have enough sense to come in out of the rain" may be a close parallel.
What is our behavior demonstrating to the world, to ourselves, to God? Does wisdom guide us or does a lack of wisdom create a skillful void for us as we seek to make our way through life? Does our higher power enable us to use wisdom to guide us in maintaining sobriety and aiding in recovery? Can we see the long term effects of acting out and realize that those behaviors are not consistent with a life of integrity and recovery?
Solomon presents another rather ambiguous Proverb. "If a ruler's anger rises against you, do not leave your post; calmness can lay great errors to rest." (Ecc 10:4 NIV) This proverb is contrary to 8:3 which talks about the kings absolute power. Here it speaks of the ability to maintain one's composure in the face of anger. This composure will overcome the anger of those in authority over us. The errors here speak of the outcomes of errors. The sins that come from anger. Note the use of the word ruler here and in 9:17 there the ruler is a ruler of fools. The parallel continues with the wisdom and calmness.
Being able to handle oneself in the face of anger is a learned skill of a well adjusted person. To be able to maintain composure takes being able to handle emotion appropriately. anger makes us look bigger than we really are. It also prepares one for action. That emotional demonstration may look hazardous. Calmness can offset any errors in judgment, speech and action.
How do you, we, I do at handling these kind of situations. I struggle I know. I work at handling these situations wisely. In recovery we must learn to handle others anger appropriately. We may want to retaliate in anger. As this proverb says we may want to flee from it. Reacting with calmness is the way to discharge anger well. I hope this points us to handling anger or any other emotion well through out our daily lives.
We have drawn the contrast between the wise and the foolish the angry and the calm. Wisdom i.e. skillful living enables us to find our way through life and handle our emotions and the emotions of others well. Our time is up for today. Keep coming back it works if you work it and you are worth it!
“Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.” (Ecc. 9:18 NIV) Solomon gives us another Proverb. Wisdom can be very powerful. This becomes a variation on a theme. The battle is not necessarily to the strong (9:11). Just as one person with wisdom can be powerful (9:14-15). So one person who is a sinner—one who does not follow the laws of God “under the sun.” can destroy much good. How many times have you or we seen people who through their actions destroy a great quantity of good. Governor Mark Samford is a good example. He threw away his marriage his family and his political career for his mistress. Much good was destroyed there.
As dead flies give perfume a bad smell, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor. (Ecc 10:1 NIV) In our English translation this starts a new chapter but it is the continuation of the thought of 9:17-18. A short refresher on Proverbs my be in order here. Proverbs are short pithy sayings that come in riddle form that make the reader think about the parallels that the comparisons makes. The fit well into the context and structure of Ecclesiastes because the book evokes thought in the reader much like the Proverb does. The comparisons and variations on a theme in the book are like one large Proverb. Back to our Proverb at hand. Just as one sinner destroys much good. so a dead fly in perfume contaminates the perfume. The dead fly is out of place. The contamination spreads. It destroys the entire bottle. Solomon is making the comparison that things that are folly may be small but they can do great harm. Small day to day acts wisdom can be overturned or nullified by one act of folly. Enter the exhibit of the person who may appear to lead a fulfilling life. They have a spouse, family, a dignified position and career. Those who suffer from addiction and compulsivity will and everyday do risk it all in an act of insane impulsive/compulsive behavior.
"The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but the heart of the fool to the left." (Ecc 10:2 NIV) The right meaning the right hand. The right hand was the place of protection (Ps. 16:8, 110:5, 121:5). The left would then be in the opposite direction. The heart was the seat of the mind and emotions. It was the thought processes of the person and the seat of all emotional reaction. Solomon is saying here that wisdom is not just rote behavior, but deep thought and the innermost motives and drives direct behavior based upon wisdom.
The proverb is then followed with an example. "Even as he walks along the road, the fool lacks sense and shows everyone how stupid he is." (Ecc 10:3 NIV) An absurd example but given to prove a point. The fool in his behavior doing the most common of things shows everyone how foolish he is. Our modern Proverb "He doesn't have enough sense to come in out of the rain" may be a close parallel.
What is our behavior demonstrating to the world, to ourselves, to God? Does wisdom guide us or does a lack of wisdom create a skillful void for us as we seek to make our way through life? Does our higher power enable us to use wisdom to guide us in maintaining sobriety and aiding in recovery? Can we see the long term effects of acting out and realize that those behaviors are not consistent with a life of integrity and recovery?
Solomon presents another rather ambiguous Proverb. "If a ruler's anger rises against you, do not leave your post; calmness can lay great errors to rest." (Ecc 10:4 NIV) This proverb is contrary to 8:3 which talks about the kings absolute power. Here it speaks of the ability to maintain one's composure in the face of anger. This composure will overcome the anger of those in authority over us. The errors here speak of the outcomes of errors. The sins that come from anger. Note the use of the word ruler here and in 9:17 there the ruler is a ruler of fools. The parallel continues with the wisdom and calmness.
Being able to handle oneself in the face of anger is a learned skill of a well adjusted person. To be able to maintain composure takes being able to handle emotion appropriately. anger makes us look bigger than we really are. It also prepares one for action. That emotional demonstration may look hazardous. Calmness can offset any errors in judgment, speech and action.
How do you, we, I do at handling these kind of situations. I struggle I know. I work at handling these situations wisely. In recovery we must learn to handle others anger appropriately. We may want to retaliate in anger. As this proverb says we may want to flee from it. Reacting with calmness is the way to discharge anger well. I hope this points us to handling anger or any other emotion well through out our daily lives.
We have drawn the contrast between the wise and the foolish the angry and the calm. Wisdom i.e. skillful living enables us to find our way through life and handle our emotions and the emotions of others well. Our time is up for today. Keep coming back it works if you work it and you are worth it!
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