Wisdom and Folly

Eccl. P:13-10:20 > Pray

Think of the power of one decision, one word, one moment of foolishness. We can look out into the world and see how one little word, or one little action, one thoughtless deed can ruin a whole life.

A life of honor and apparent wisdom is wrecked by one event, one decision, one word. One bit of folly can destroy a name, a career, a family, a ministry, a legacy.

You don’t have to think long and hard do you to think of a prominent political or church leader who with one folly, destroyed their lives.

Foolishness in the bible is not morally neutral, it is sinful, and it is dangerous as we’re going to see this morning.

So, as we are moving towards the end of Ecclesiastes, last week Solomon drew together several lines of thought regarding Life and Death,

this week we’re looking at Solomon’s concluding thoughts about WISDOM and FOLLY

This section is a bit wild and un-tame. Solomon goes all over the place. But the concepts of wisdom and folly are present throughout. So, for the sake of the sermon, I’m going to organize this sermon by themes.

We’ll start with a contrast of wisdom and folly in general, then look at several specifics:

Wisdom and Folly in Government,

Wisdom and Folly in Work,

Wisdom and Folly in WORDS. – then we’ll end by looking to Christ.

I. WISDOM AND FOLLY CONTRASTED (9: 13-10:3)

Solomon begin with a little story:

Ecclesiastes 9:13–16 (ESV) — 13 I have also seen this example of wisdom under the sun, and it seemed great to me. 14 There was a little city with few men in it, and a great king came against it and besieged it, building great siegeworks against it. 15 But there was found in it a poor, wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city. Yet no one remembered that poor man. 16 But I say that wisdom is better than might, though the poor man’s wisdom is despised and his words are not heard.

Wisdom is better than might, but we often miss it. the folly is that we judge according to our measure. According to the flesh.

Proverbs 14:20 (ESV) — 20 The poor is disliked even by his neighbor, but the rich has many friends.

That poor man may be very wise and that may even be of use to many but his lack of worldly stature means he will be often overlooked. So this is a warning.

You may be wise – and it is good to pursue wisdom— but it may not bring you glory in this life! This world is a foolish mess, and wisdom is often over looked. Wisdom is good, but it is easily missed.

Next Solomon uses some proverbial statement:

Ecclesiastes 9:17–10:1 (ESV) — 17 The words of the wise heard in quiet are better than the shouting of a ruler among fools. 18 Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good. 1 Dead flies make the perfumer’s ointment give off a stench; so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor.

Wisdom is better than folly, but folly is more potent!

One sinner does much harm, little flies ruins the ointment, so a little folly stinks. Folly is dangerous!

If we think Folly is innocent, then we laugh off the foolishness in our children. There is a difference between youthfulness and foolishness.

Youthfulness is the untamed exuberance and immaturity that children need to grow from. Foolishness is willful desire to go our own way, do our own thing. Foolishness needs discipline.

Folly in the Bible isn’t a light-hearted, silly thing. It is serious, it has consequences, and it is powerful, it Outweighs wisdom and honor, on little bit can wipe out all the effects of wisdom.

Proverbs 1:7 (ESV) — 7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Foolishness is going away from the fear of the Lord, going down our own path. So it is not morally neutral. It is a rejection of God’s plan. And so we need to keep that in mind as we think about Folly and Wisdom this morning… But Foolishness is also not final. We can grow.

Proverbs 22:15 (ESV) — 15 Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him.

We are all born in sin, and we want to go our own way, and that is folly, as sweet as that child is, that folly isn’t neutral, it is the path of death. And so we must teach discipline, we must learn to trust God and we must learn to follow his way. that is wisdom.

So, as we think about wisdom and folly, let’s all remember, we all have room to grow. Even as Christians there are areas in our lives that need to be disciplined towards the good and right way of God!

But let us NOT be the fool, who despises wisdom and instruction, but let us be happy learners, seeking to know God and his ways and his path of Life!

Wisdom is GOOD! let’s strive for it, and recognized the real danger of folly.

One last contrast in verses 2-3

Ecclesiastes 10:2–3 (ESV) — 2 A wise man’s heart inclines him to the right, but a fool’s heart to the left. 3 Even when the fool walks on the road, he lacks sense, and he says to everyone that he is a fool.

Wisdom is better that folly, and folly will be exposed. Folly finds its way out. Foolishness is going the wrong direction – so it becomes evident for all to see.

The wise man inclines his way to the right, but the fool to the left. Probably Solomon is emphasizing the right-hand being the hand of blessing …

remember Jacob’s blessing of Ephraim and Manasseh - Jacob put his right hand on Ephraim and his left on Manasseh - Joseph tried to straighten it out… Manessah is the older! But Jacob refused the blessing went to Ephraim.. – the younger will be greater.

That is likely in view here, the wise travel the way of blessing, and the fool choose their own way, the way of disaster.

So the general contrast for us is that wisdom is better but it’s tricky, wisdom is often discarded, folly is more potent, but folly will become evident.

So, for the rest of our time, we’ll look at three examples of the significance of Wisdom and Folly in life.

II. WISDOM AND FOLLY IN GOVERNMENT

Solomon has several points to make about Kings and leaders. But let’s start with 10:16-17

A. Leaders as a blessing or a curse

Ecclesiastes 10:16–17 (ESV) — 16 Woe to you, O land, when your king is a child, and your princes feast in the morning! 17 Happy are you, O land, when your king is the son of the nobility, and your princes feast at the proper time, for strength, and not for drunkenness!

Two kings – I know that wisdom and folly isn’t listed here but I think we can make the connection. One king is a child – and the princes feast in the morning. Not working – everything is a party – all for me!

That is the foolish king. That is a curse on the land, woe to you when you have a foolish leader, or a child for a king. When feasting is for drunkenness. Living for self and indulgence!

You can think of Solomon’s son Rehoboam. Remember that God split the land into because of the foolish decision of that king. The older men gave him good advice but the younger men were foolish! Braggarts – and because of that foolishness, the kingdom was ripped in two! He was a curse. SELF FOCUSED INDULGENT LEADERSHIP.

The other leader is a wise leader – the son of nobility. Solomon is not being elitist here, but describing a leader who is living up to the noble standard. who feasts for strength, not to get drunk. Who is strong so he can lead well, and make wise choices. Happy are you who have a wise king. Or leader.

There is self-indulgent leadership and servant leadership.

But Solomon goes on to show why WISE leadership is so important.

B. The Results of the Foolish King

Ecclesiastes 10:5–7 (ESV) — 5 There is an evil that I have seen under the sun, as it were an error proceeding from the ruler: 6 folly is set in many high places, and the rich sit in a low place. 7 I have seen slaves on horses, and princes walking on the ground like slaves.

When the leader is a fool, chaos ensues! Society is turned upside down. The error flows from the leader. Now, It may be hard to hear those words rightly from our cultural moment. So, we need to try and work to hear these words correctly.

The American way is all about the poor man making his way to the top! That is not what Solomon is writing about… FOLLY is set in high places… he contrasts that with the rich sitting in the low place.

Solomon does not believe riches = wisdom. But there are general patterns, and thinking of a good leader being noble, as living up to that noble standard, so think of the rich here as those who have pursued wisdom and have received God’s blessing.

Proverbs 14:24 (ESV) — 24 The crown of the wise is their wealth, but the folly of fools brings folly.

That general pattern is what is in view. In this chaos world, they are put down and the fool rises up!

Proverbs 19:10 (ESV) — 10 It is not fitting for a fool to live in luxury, much less for a slave to rule over princes.

When the leaders of the government are fools, they lead us into chaos, societal chaos. Where Folly is exalted and WISDOM is despised.

We live in a time of increasing societal chaos, and we can trace that back to decades of foolish leaders leading away from truth, towards chaos. Self-indulgent, leadership. Those things are complex and we can have different opinions about those specifics… but what this should lead us to do is PRAY FERVENTLY for our leaders.

In America we have a role to place in the leadership of the country, you can vote, you can protest, you can write your congress person, or senator, you can be involved, form a political party or run for office!

But what God commands us to do is pray for them because a FOOLISH leader is a dangerous thing! (read 1 Tim 2 and Romans 13)

A foolish king is a dangerous thing. (application – folly in leadership is always dangerous – power – husbands, business owners, moms – be careful with your authority – be wise!)

C. Wisdom & Folly in the presence of the king

Ecclesiastes 10:4 (ESV) — 4 If the anger of the ruler rises against you, do not leave your place, for calmness will lay great offenses to rest. …20 Even in your thoughts, do not curse the king, nor in your bedroom curse the rich, for a bird of the air will carry your voice, or some winged creature tell the matter.

Keep Calm, Don’t get bitter. Two proverbs are helpful here.

Proverbs 14:30 (ESV) — 30 A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.

Proverbs 15:4 (ESV) — 4 A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.

Keep Calm – stay tranquil and gentle.

1) THEOLOGICALLY that is pleasing to God, trust God. a tranquil heart gives life… (don’t be anxious) it’s a good thing, a gentle tongue is a tree of life… it’s just good, to stay calm.

2) PRACTICALLY getting angry isn’t going to help, it will just lead you into trouble. Be calm. The leader has more power than you do

.

James 1:20 (ESV) — 20 for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.

And then don’t get bitter and start cursing the leaders! Again, theologically God calls us to honor our leaders and not to curse them.

1 Peter 2:17 (ESV) — 17 Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.

But also practically- when you poke the bear you get ate up. This was more true of the government in Solomon’s day, or in the New Testament time, and it is true in parts of the world to day, it may not be fair, but it is reality, so be wise, don’t get bitter..

remember that folly will out, and it will likely get you into trouble! GOD IS IN CONTROL, so STAY CALM and Don’t Curse the powerful! employer, land lord. It might get back to them and cause you trouble. IT IS GOOD TO FOLLOW GOD’S WAY!!

So, that’s wisdom and folly in Government – be careful there are consequences. so let’s move quickly to

III. WISDOM AND FOLLY IN WORK

Two things here – accidents and competence.

A. Accidents:

Ecclesiastes 10:8–9 (ESV) — 8 He who digs a pit will fall into it, and a serpent will bite him who breaks through a wall. 9 He who quarries stones is hurt by them, and he who splits logs is endangered by them.

Accidents can happen to anyone. But if you give a fool a tool, it’s more likely someone’s going to get hurt. Folly has consequences. Thinking you know what you’re doing when you don’t is a dangerous thing!

Proverbs 12:15 (ESV) — 15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.

Remember folly is not uneducated or unintelligent , folly is the going of our own way. it’s kind of cute in 2 year old. But it is a dangerous thing when you’re working with electricity. Wisdom is important, to learn and be careful.

Don’t see folly as nothing, it is dangerous. Young people, learn from the Bible here, it is better to assume you don’t know and go slow and learn, rather than pretend you know - so you can SEEM Smarter or more experienced.—and do harm. That is true humility!

Pride goes before the fall.. that is FOLLY!

And the more responsibility you have the more harm you can do! Foolishness at work leads to accidents!

B. Competence

Wisdom leads to competence

Ecclesiastes 10:10–11 (ESV) — 10 If the iron is blunt, and one does not sharpen the edge, he must use more strength, but wisdom helps one to succeed. 11 If the serpent bites before it is charmed, there is no advantage to the charmer.

Wisdom carefully avoids accidents and excels with growing competence. Wisdom says keep your blade sharp – pay attention, take the time! Charm the snake before it can bite! Wisdom helps one succeed! Without wisdom—following God’s way of patience, discipline, Diligence—life is harder! God’s way is good! Folly is hard.

It’s our own FOOLISHNESS that gets that mixed up! nah! I don’t need to sharpen that, Nah! i don’t need to turn off the breaker!

Make sure we are keeping those categories correct in our minds. There is value in wisdom. Pursue it – God’s way. But then lastly...

IV. WISDOM AND FOLLY IN WORDS

Ecclesiastes 10:12–14 (ESV) — 12 The words of a wise man’s mouth win him favor, but the lips of a fool consume him. 13 The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness, and the end of his talk is evil madness. 14 A fool multiplies words, though no man knows what is to be, and who can tell him what will be after him?

I won’t say much about this. But as we gain perspective by living for the end, but living for God, and finding Joy in Christ… watch how you talk. Think about how you talk. What fills your mouth?

Folly will out. It will be exposed and it is often in our words that the folly is displayed. A wise man’s words win favor, the lips of a fool consume him!

Proverbs 18:7 (ESV) — 7 A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul.

Proverbs 12:18 (ESV) — 18 There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

What do your words show about your heart? Maybe we need some examination? To think about our words, or to step back and consider our words, what are we displaying to the world and our family?

I’m leaving the hard work to you, you’ll have to pursue wisdom, wisdom as you think of government, wisdom as you consider your work, wisdom with your words…

but I hope what I you see, is that WISDOM ( GOD’S WAY) is worth pursuing… it’s worth teaching your kids, it’s worth the work! ‘

But our hope – lies in the wisdom of GOD the very word of GOD – CHRIST JESUS.

CHRIST MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE

Christ is our perfect king!

When world leaders are foolish, we can yet rest in hope and joy in the perfect rule of our king! Jesus.

Ephesians 1:20–21 (ESV) — 20 that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.

Revelation 17:14 (ESV) — 14 They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful.”

Rest in the good rule of our perfect King, and serve him, live for him, in the confusion of our world. there is our direction and safety! THERE IS OUR KING! Let us worship him!

Christ is full of perfect wisdom!

The Apostle Paul prays in Colossians 2:

Colossians 2:2–3 (ESV) — 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

We attain all the riches of wisdom through Christ! He is the fullness of wisdom, and in him are all the treasures of knowledge! May we see this and believe! Look to him!

He is eager to share with us! he’s not a miser! he is gentle, and kind towards all who come to him.

Christ gives us everything we need, through faith.

Folly is not a final condition, we can grow. And ultimately we grow as we rest in Christ. He forgives us for our folly and grows us up into the path of life! He is abounding in love and generosity, mercy and grace.

Faith leads us from folly to wisdom.

Ephesians 2:8–10 (ESV) — 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

It is through faith all the riches of blessing and knowledge come flowing into our lives - and so we can LIVE for CHRIST! living the life he has laid out for us is wisdom… going God’s way!

Christian, chase after wisdom, by chasing after Christ!

For you who have not yet believed, see the danger of the path of folly and hear the call of Christ, come and believe, turn from death and come into the wisdom, life and hope of Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 1:24 (ESV) — 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

For you, life for you if you will repent of your sin and believe on Christ, come and live!

Pray

Sing: By Faith

Ask those who are serving the Lord’s supper to come forward

We are One in Christ. One Body

1 Corinthians 10:16–17 (NASB95) — 16 Is not the cup of blessing which we bless a sharing in the blood of Christ? Is not the bread which we break a sharing in the body of Christ? 17 Since there is one bread, we who are many are one body; for we all partake of the one bread.

Family we are ONE in CHRIST HOLY and BELOVED – because of what CHRIST OUR WISE KING has accomplished!

This table shows the mercy, love and faithfulness of God. THIS IS THE WISDOM OF GOD! on the cross the curse was defeated!! and it empowers us to be changed so that we BE HOLY, we can be WISE we can live for him!! To Live for the Glory of God, in all things. That is what the GOSPEL Is for.

So, the Supper is a time to EVALUATE and CELEBRATE.

We evaluate our selves, we see our need for change, we have sin, we have failed we have been foolish. We have been distracted, we’ve gone the way of the world too often, the way of fools. We’ve taken the easy road, we be self-indulgent

In repentance, then we turn to find help. And at the table we remember, there is boundless help for us in Christ Jesus. There is help, so we CELEBRATE! We are not defeated, we are victorious in Christ, we are not out of control. We are at PEACE!! WE ARE HOLY!!

We are not BEYOND GOD’s Power to change! so from that GOSPEL Power we move forward together in peace, for the glory of God.

THIS is for DISCIPLES of CHRIST

“Our understanding of being a disciple of Christ in the New Testament is one who has been transformed through FAITH in Christ, has been baptized into Christ and into his church, and continues to be committed to and serving CHRIST in the body of Christ – a local church. The Lord’s Supper is the fellowship meal for the covenant family of Jesus Christ.”

For those who are not Christians, and this is not for you. This is not for you, you have said no to this, with your life. No to this community, no to Christ. but this SALVATION is for you, Jesus is for you! You’ll see the emblems passing you by… don’t let salvation pass you by again. Make no more excuses, take hold of Christ and live!

Children – boys and girls. I know some of you are believing on Christ, as you wait to take that public step of baptism, and openly commit to be a disciple of Christ, it is good for you to wait to take the Lord’s Supper. For you, feed on Christ as this passes you by, think to yourself, I won’t let this day pass me by without Christ, and call out to him, and then turn and follow Jesus. I know your mom and dad would be delighted to talk with you about what that might look like. Believe on Jesus and live.

BREAD

1 Corinthians 11:23–24 (NASB95) — 23 For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus in the night in which He was betrayed took bread; 24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”

CUP

1 Corinthians 11:25–26 (NASB95) — 25 In the same way He took the cup also after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.

731 Doxology

2 Corinthians 13:14 (NASB95) — 14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.