1 As dead flies bring a stench to the perfumer’s oil,
so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor.
2 A wise man’s heart inclines to the right,
but the heart of a fool to the left.
3 Even as the fool walks along the road, his sense is lacking,
and he shows everyone that he is a fool.
4 If the ruler’s temper flares against you, do not abandon your post,
for calmness lays great offenses to rest.

5 There is an evil I have seen under the sun—
an error that proceeds from the ruler:
6 Folly is appointed to great heights,
but the rich sit in lowly positions.
7 I have seen slaves on horseback,
while princes go on foot like slaves.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Elise Le

As I hear the news of what is happening in the world around us, I keep asking myself the question: How can someone who is foolish rise to such great power? I’m sure we can all think of some examples of that when we watch the news. Or maybe you’ve seen this in your personal life – maybe a manager who has treated you unfairly or senior colleagues who get away with doing the bare minimum. Sometimes I get surprised that it’s like that, but what this passage shows us is that we shouldn’t be surprised by fools being promoted and evil being celebrated (vs 6). That’s how things are in a world that is twisted and corrupted by sin.

Even though we live in an upside-down and corrupt world, the teacher says that the way and attitude of fools is senseless and irresponsible (vs 3). When I first read this passage, my mind jumped to think about the people around me who live in folly and make irrational decisions. But the more I read it, the more I was reminded that I once lived in foolishness too. My heart is not naturally inclined to the right like a wise person but inclined to the left like a fool (vs 2), because I am a sinner – by nature a child of wrath (Ephesians 2:3). It is so easy to point at the sins of those around us, but Jesus said it is more important for us to pay attention to the logs in our own eyes (Matthew 7:3). There are times when we all still fail to live in step with wisdom, in a way that honours and obeys God. As we see how foolish it is to live apart from God, may we be reminded to continuously repent of our sins and strive to be

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Elise is one of our ministry apprentices.