Day 1 · Wisdom and Folly
Ecclesiastes 10:1–15
1As dead flies bring a stench to the perfumer’s oil, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor. 2A wise man’s heart inclines to the right, but the heart of a fool to the left. 3Even as the fool walks along the road, his sense is lacking, and he shows everyone that he is a fool. 4If the ruler’s temper flares against you, do not abandon your post, for calmness lays great offenses to rest. 5There is an evil I have seen under the sun— an error that proceeds from the ruler: 6Folly is appointed to great heights, but the rich sit in lowly positions. 7I have seen slaves on horseback, while princes go on foot like slaves. 8He who digs a pit may fall into it, and he who breaches a wall may be bitten by a snake. 9The one who quarries stones may be injured by them, and he who splits logs endangers himself. 10If the axe is dull and the blade unsharpened, more strength must be exerted, but skill produces success. 11If the snake bites before it is charmed, there is no profit for the charmer. 12The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool consume him. 13The beginning of his talk is folly, and the end of his speech is evil madness. 14Yet the fool multiplies words. No one knows what is coming, and who can tell him what will come after him? 15The toil of a fool wearies him, for he does not know the way to the city.
Berean Standard Bible
Observe
In verses 12 through 14, what contrast does the passage make between the words of a wise person and the speech of a fool?
Apply
In what area of your work or relationships this week could you slow down and use wisdom rather than relying on brute force?
In the app, each day also opens the words in the original language, what the passage meant to its first readers, pastors teaching it, a place to write, and a time to pray.