4th April 2024

4th April 2024


Pray (ACts)


Read (Ecclesiastes 10v1-9)


Message (Scott Woodburn)


The author G. Michael Hopf once wrote “Hard times create strong men. Strong men create good times. Good times create weak men. And, weak men create hard times.” In simple terms Hopf described life under the sun as a merry-go-round on which history keeps repeating as lessons are never learned.


Solomon didn’t quite say it in the same way as Hopf but chapter ten gives a similar picture of the world and its troubles. Forebodingly, Solomon describes wisdom as always being in quite a precarious position. Just as a few dead flies cause ointment to spoil (v1), so just a little bit of foolishness can outweigh wisdom and honour (v1b).


Fools are even foolish walking down the road (v3) but can you imagine what would happen if a fool made it to the most powerful position in the land? Foolish errors by such a ruler (v5) would have a devastating impact upon the nation. In such a land other fools would rise to the top whilst the rich would sit in a low place (v6). The natural order would be disturbed as slaves would ride horses while the princes walked on the ground (v7). The one who digs a pit would fall into it (v8), the one who drills into a wall would uncover a serpents nest (v8b), the one who was quarrying stone would have rocks fall upon him (v9) and the one who was chopping logs would end up hurt in his endeavour (v9b).


At first glance it’s difficult to grasp what Solomon is getting at. Perhaps he was promoting slavery or better health and safety? No. Let me suggest that Solomon was warning us about the potential of foolishness and sin. Where sin abounds, danger lurks around every corner. Paul would use the example of how a tiny amount of leaven had a dramatic impact on the whole lump of dough (Galatians 5v9). In the same manner, a tiny amount of foolishness can disastrously transform a nation, city, workplace, home or church.


Brothers and sisters, we are so prone to forgetting what has gone before and becoming distracted by life’s vanities. Sin never sleeps and foolishness can cause so much damage. One wrong decision, one poor choice of words or one foolish boast can set a fire which burns an empire to the ground. 
 
What shall be done? When you see a fool go left make sure you go right (v2) for it is there that you will find Jesus. He is the man of Psalm 1 who did not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of scoffers. In a world as foolish as this one, we need more of Christ every single day. He is the power and the wisdom of God and the faithful Lord who guides our path. Buy wisdom from Him and don’t sell it for while the world refuses to learn, you’ll find Christ’s yoke easy and His burden light.


Pray (acTS)


Sing


WSC


Q4 What is God? God is a Spirit, infinite, eternal, and unchangeable, in his being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth.
​