The Solomon Project-- Ecclesiastes 10:16-11:2

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.