While it is needful to walk wisely, we must also learn to avoid living foolishly. In particular, we need to know how to deal with the folly of others. In the first three verses of Ecclesiastes 10, Solomon had shown us the difference between wisdom and folly. Now, in the next four verses, from verses 4-7, he will provide some practical counsels on how to deal with the foolish people we will definitely encounter in life. We have defined fools as people who have no regard for God. They are impulsive, rude, rash, arrogant and self-centered. They essentially live for themselves and are very disruptive to the lives of others around them. We have all come across such people while in school, or in our workplaces, for some are even found in our home. They make erratic decisions, selfish demands and bring misery whenever they are around.
In verses 5-7, we see the suggestion of annoyance when wrong people hold a high position of leadership in any organization or government. They can make life painfully tormenting. Solomon said, “If the anger of the ruler rises against you, do not leave your place, for calmness will lay great offenses to rest. There is an evil that I have seen under the sun, as it were an error proceeding from the ruler: Folly is set in many high places and the rich sit in a low place. I have seen slaves on horses, and princes walking on the ground like slaves.” As incapable as some of them may be, yet they manage to work themselves into the leadership position, even in the political arena. Some are completely inept to undertake the role required of their position. Then there are those who would exploit their position for personal gain. Others may just go for the glamor that the position may offer. The sad truth is that by the time their ineptness is discovered, the irreparable damage is already created. We become totally disenfranchised and bewildered, wondering how such people were able to con their way into their position.
Incompetent people in power wrack havoc and create chaos for the organization or nation. Verse 5 tells us that there is an evil created by the error in leadership. In the verses that follow, we are shown how bad the situation could become when rich people are made to sit in low places. Solomon was not talking about the filthy rich having their just dessert. He was referring to people of means and well-endowed not given the opportunity to use them to serve the less advantaged. Then there is a reversal of authority. Incapable slaves were put into a position of leadership. Usually, it was their role to walk in front of horses which their masters were riding, but the reverse had taken place. They would be riding on horses and their masters taking their positions instead, and walk in front of the horses that they were riding. The situation seemed so incongruent.
How should believers respond when wrong and incompetent people hold leadership in government or any organization we are in? The advice of verse 4 is: “If the anger of the ruler rises against you, do not leave your place, for calmness will lay great offenses to rest.” The first thought many people adopt is to seek migration to where they think are greener pastures. And the sad result, to one’s chagrin, is all too often the discovery that where they run to is not any better. Some resist and take matters into their own hands. They feel it’s their divine right to be angry and rebel against the government. But here we are told to be calm and quiet, for in doing so, we can turn away wrath. Remember God is still in control. We should live godly, Christ-centred life and influence people. We must bring our best attitude as citizens of heaven so that we can nullify needless murmuring and grumbling.
Reflecting on verse 4, Solomon seemed to be thinking of what he said in Ecclesiastes 9:17 referring to “…the shouting of a ruler among fools.” When a loud-mouthed leader loses his plot and shouts madly at us, his subordinates, Solomon advocates that we should not get angry and walk away. But instead with calmness remain in our position and respond gently. We should never act in a panic with fear or react with anger. This counsel is good for all situations such as when we face an angry boss, an irrational teacher, an unreasonable spouse or child. We are advised in the book of James not to be easily provoked, for anger can never fulfill the righteous work of God. Be slow to anger, slow to speak but quick to listen and best of all, be certain to pray!
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