JUN 16

Ecclesiastes 10:16-20
Memorise Ecclesiastes 10:18
“eat in due season, for strength, and not for drunkedness”

The next scenario that is present here is again one of the rulers of the land. He compares foolish rulers who are only interested in selfish indulgence, with wise rulers who know how to rightly conduct themselves. A land is blessed, if a land is ruled by the wise, but woe unto the land who is ruled by fools.

The foolish ruler is likened to a child, petulant and self-gratifying in his ways. He knows nothing but greed, drunkenness, laziness and a love for pleasure. He will cause his nation to decay, to collapse like a decaying building. This happens because he spends all his time in indulging in himself, and not in the administration of his kingdom. They ‘eat in the morning’, for self and pleasure is all they care about. Their foremost priority is personal enjoyment, and will put aside all other duties to attain it. They are slothful, and do not care if the whole kingdom decays and collapses around them, for all they care about is feasting, laughter, merry making and money.

In contrast, the wise ruler knows when is the right time to eat, and does so not for greed or pleasures sake, but for the right purpose of sustenance. Thus he has his priorities right, for he does not seek the temporal pleasures of this world, but knows best how to rule his kingdom. Yet Solomon again adds a small footnote in verse 20 to remind us that no matter how your king or ruler may be, they must still be regarded as the powers ordained by God, and we must be careful not to curse the king and the rich who abuse their riches. Also, we never know when someone is listening, and will report your act of subordination to the king.

Thus as we compare these two sorts of rulers, we ask ourselves – which category best fits us? Are we like the slothful ruler who shirks responsibilities and is only interested in pleasing himself? Or will we be like the wise son of nobles who would eat at the appropriate times, fulfil his responsibilities well, and not allow his kingdom to decay? Dear teen, what sort of student, son and sibling are you? Do you care more for yourself or the people around you?

Thought: An irresponsible man is a foolish man
Prayer: Lord, help me be a hardworking, responsible student, and not a slothful, selfish fool.