WISDOM IN OUR HEARTS (10)

“A WISE man’s HEART is at his right hand, but a FOOL’s HEARTS at his left” – Ecclesiastes 10:2

Foolishness in some other hearts will oppose WISDOM in OUR HEARTS: “A WISE man’s HEART is at his right hand, but a FOOL’s HEART at his left. Even when a fool walks along the way, he lacks wisdom, and he shows everyone that he is a fool” (Ecc.10:2-3). The New International Version says, “The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but the heart of the fool to the left. Even as fools walk along the road, they lack sense and show everyone how stupid they are.” Both wisdom and folly originate at the same place – the Heart – the epicentre of our inner being. However, a wise man's heart directs him toward the right, but the foolish man's heart directs him toward the left. What do wisdom going to the right and folly to the left imply?

First, Wisdom holds the place of Honour and Glory. Scripturally, the right hand or the right arm refers to knowing God.  For instance, David sang: “The LORD said to my Lord: “Sit at My right hand, till I make Your enemies Your footstool” (Psa. 110:1). This is also true of the heart of the wise: It knows God and therefore finds itself in the place of honour; whereas the fool’s heart comes to shame: “The wise shall inherit glory, but shame shall be the legacy of fools” (Pro.3:35). Folly is compared to how “dead flies give perfume a bad smell, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor” (v.1). Folly ruins that which otherwise would be good, as one rotten apple spoils the barrel. It takes far less to ruin something than to create it. Folly also ruins life’s course by consistently bad choices (v.2).

Verse 3 presents two characteristics that distinguish the foolish from the wise. The first relates to how we use our time in the journey of life – as we “walk along the road” (v.3a). In the New Testament, Paul made a similar point: “Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil” (Eph. 5:15-16, NIV). Time is the great equalizer that no one can stretch time. How we use our time is a mark of wisdom. Being wise means that we know the clock is ticking and that time is passing and we demonstrate wisdom by maximizing or making the most of every opportunity. God’s Word admonishes that we be not foolish; rather, we should think proactively and put wisdom to use because time is short. 

Secondly, Wisdom is measured in our relationships to others: “they lack sense and show everyone how stupid they are” (v.3b). Paul, also wrote:  “Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is…Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ (Eph. 5:17-20, NIV). Wisdom is shown in our vertical relationship with God and our horizontal relationships with others. The vertical relationship is about knowing, understanding, and doing the Will of God. Nothing is more important in life than to discover and to do the Will of God: Jesus Himself prayed, “Not My will, but Yours, be done” (Lk. 22:42).

A major theme that runs through Ecclesiastes 10 is the relationship between rulers and their subjects: how folly on the part of rulers puts people in jeopardy and requires a response of wisdom. The ruler’s folly can frustrate their wise subordinates, as they may be tempted: to run away from their circumstances (v.4). Folly often produces the Prince and the Pauper scenarios: inequitable situations of incompetence exalted over competence (vv.4-7). Let’s remember that God is the Ultimate Ruler!

Wisdom is realistic. Wisdom understands that what goes around comes around. Actions have consequences: Digging a pit; breaking through a wall; gathering stones; splitting logs – all come with dangers, uncertainties, and consequences (vv.8-9). Finally, Wisdom must be applied skilfully, using the right sharpened tools (v.10). And, wisdom must be applied at the right time: “If a snake bites before it is charmed, the charmer receives no fee” (v.11). Timing is everything (v.11). In what direction is your heart?