Ecclesiastes 10:1-7 10 Dead flies putrefy[a] the perfumer’s ointment, And cause it to give off a foul odor; So does a little folly to one respected for wisdom and honor. 2 A wise man’s heart is at his right hand, But a fool’s heart at his left. 3 Even when a fool walks along the way, He lacks wisdom, And he shows everyone that he is a fool. 4 If the spirit of the ruler rises against you, Do not leave your post; For conciliation pacifies great offenses. 5 There is an evil I have seen under the sun, As an error proceeding from the ruler: 6 Folly is set in great dignity, While the rich sit in a lowly place. 7 I have seen servants on horses, While princes walk on the ground like servants.
SOAP – Ecclesiastes 10:1-2 Solomon explores foolishness and states that even a little foolishness can permeate and destroy one’s reputation as wise and honorable. He states that wise thinking can lead to right living, while foolish thinking to lead to wrong living. Foolishness occurs when we misuse the intelligence God has given us. A fool uses her own reasoning skills to make decisions. However, the believer receives the Holy Spirit at salvation. By relying on the Holy Spirit’s indwelling power, the believer can reject foolishness. Her thoughts when yielded to the Holy Spirit, will please the Lord, and she is enabled to make decisions that glorify God as she enriches her life and the lives of those around her.