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!