Eld Ko Swee Chay

Introduction

Ecclesiastes 10:1-7 gave us several important spiritual lessons:

• A little folly or small sin will destroy a man’s life and family, and his reputation and witness.
• A wise man is strong of heart, but a fool’s heart is faint.
• A fool cannot conceal his foolishness. By how he lives and conducts himself, it is evident that he lacks wisdom.
• We are to respect and deal wisely with people of authority, expecting that things may not happen the way we want.
• We should not be surprised by the reversal of how things are expected to be when the fools are promoted or exalted while the wise sit in lowly positions or serve the fools.

In Ecclesiastes 10:8-10, Solomon shared his observation of man’s actions and the repercussions, pointing to the “cause and effect” principle. He presented several scenarios that depict the dangers and dire outcomes of evil deeds, laziness and negligence. This implies that wisdom, caution and diligence can prevent such pitfalls and dire consequences and lead to success.

Warnings against Evil Deeds and Hidden Dangers

⁸ He that diggeth a pit shall fall into it; and whoso breaketh an hedge, a serpent shall bite him. ⁹ Whoso removeth stones shall be hurt therewith; and he that cleaveth wood shall be endangered thereby.

Ecclesiastes 10:8-9 contain four proverbial expressions that warn against scheming to cause harm, lawlessness, removing of landmarks and hidden dangers in life to avoid the hurtful and painful consequences.  

Ecclesiastes 10:8 says that he who digs a pit will fall into it, and he who breaks a hedge (stone wall) will be bitten by a serpent. This verse means that people should not do evil or foolish things that would backfire on them. Through the just judgment of God, they will be destroyed by their own wicked devices. This verse teaches us to be wise and cautious to not do evil, lest our unethical conduct brings mischief upon ourselves.

Verse 8a: A warning against scheming. As King David also observed: “He made a pit, and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch which he made. His mischief shall return upon his own head, and his violent dealing shall come down upon his own pate.” (Ps 7:15-16, cf. Ps 9:15-16). Any man that devises mischief against another, the same shall befall him. The book of Esther recorded the account of the chief prince and enemy of the Jews named Haman, who prepared gallows for Mordecai, but instead was hanged on it himself. “…. Haman was come into the outward court of the king's house, to speak unto the king to hang Mordecai on the gallows that he had prepared for him. …Then the king said, Hang him (Haman) thereon. So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai.” (Est 6:4 & 7:9-10).

Verse 8b: A warning against lawlessness. “Breaketh an hedge” means to break a boundary stone wall or fence through which one may enter into another man’s fields, vineyards or orchards to take away the fruits or enlarge one’s adjoining fields. Jezebel did this to satisfy the covetousness of her husband King Ahab for Naboth’s vineyard adjacent to the palace. She devised a wicked plot by setting up two false witnesses, sons of Belial, to falsely accuse Naboth of blaspheming God and the king. Naboth was stoned to death, and King Ahab took possession of his vineyard. God pronounced severe judgement on Ahab and Jezebel through the prophet Elijah (1 King 21).  The effect: “a serpent shall bite him”.    

Ecclesiastes 10:9 says he who removes stones to undermine his neighbour’s house shall suffer injury from such attempts; and he who cleaves (splits or cuts) wood or tree shall be endangered thereby, for his axe-head or the chips may fly to his face and hurt him. The meaning of this verse is that those who seek and strive to take advantage of or injure others will often bring mischief on their own heads.

Verse 9a: Warning against removing landmarks. Removing stones in the ancient days meant removing the landmarks or markers of property lines. God disallowed and condemned such an illegal act. “Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set.” (Pro 22:28, cf. Deu 19:14 and Pro 23:10-11); “Cursed be he that removeth his neighbour's landmark….” (Deu 27:17). This verse teaches us that one cannot get away with sin, i.e. transgress against God’s Law. If anyone tried to cheat another of his property or possession or anything else, God would punish.

Verse 9b: Warning against hidden dangers in life. This verse teaches us that even in a simple mundane activity such as wood cutting, a person may get hurt if he is not paying attention or is careless in not protecting himself. This implies that there are hidden dangers in life and thus we need to exercise prudence and wisdom.  

Knowing we need Wisdom to Direct us

¹⁰ If the iron be blunt, and he do not whet the edge, then must he put to more strength: but wisdom is profitable to direct.

If an axe made of iron is blunt (dull), the common sense is to whet (sharpen) it, which will make the labourious job of wood cutting much easier. By stubbornly continuing with the dulled axe, more strength and energy will be required. Unfortunately, many people are not willing to do that which will sharpen the axe. Wisdom tells us a simple remedy, that good tools will improve effectiveness and efficiency significantly. This is the common sense in life that a wise man will have, but people sometimes cannot be bothered because of negligence, laziness or procrastination. The teaching is that those who push things with all their might, and who are without discernment and judgment and discretion, are doomed to fail. When engaging in challenging tasks, we should ensure that we have proper planning and adequate tools that are sharp and in good order. A blunt tool increases effort and risk of injury, while a sharp one promotes efficiency and effectiveness.

In this context, those who neglect to prepare adequately for their duties or ministries, whether through lack of preparation, planning or using sub-standard tools or equipment, will expose themselves to potential failure. When it comes to studying God’s Word, it is wise to get the best tools, e.g. the best commentaries and software, to be effective.  

Solomon again spoke of the value and excellency of wisdom - “But wisdom is profitable to direct”, which he had previously highlighted: “Wisdom is better than strength” (Eccl 9:16a); “Wisdom is better than weapons of war” (Eccl 9:18a). The wisdom in verse 10b, which is “the wisdom that is from above” (Jam 3:17), is profitable and good to direct and guide man’s life. This means wisdom puts a man in the right way of doing things and doing them right; it directs him to use the best methods and tools, and pursue the best ways and means of doing things, both for his own good and for the good of his family and others and God’s ministry. Wisdom is essential for us to live a Christ-honouring and Christ-pleasing life. 

Conclusion

In Ecclesiastes 10:8-9, Solomon gave us four proverbial expressions that warn against scheming harm, lawlessness, removing landmarks and hidden dangers to avoid getting hurt or adverse repercussions. This passage serves as a precious guide for understanding the interconnection between our actions (the cause) and the outcomes (the effect). Whatever a man sows, he also reaps. Those who play with fire will be burned by fire. Evil will fall upon the heads of its authors. In Ecclesiastes 10:10, Solomon showed us that to be successful in life or ministry, one needs to be equipped with good and proper “tools”, which is wisdom.   

These passages remain relevant for us today, for they emphasise the importance of ethical conduct, obedience to God’s law, and help us to know the hidden dangers in life and the excellency of wisdom to direct and guide our life. By contemplating these, we can go through life with greater integrity and effectiveness for the glory of God.  

Let us follow what Apostle Paul says, “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him” (Col 3:17). AMEN.