Foolishness leaves one vulnerable; wisdom provides protection.
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SERMON NOTES:
Ecclesiastes 10:1-20
proverb \ˈprä-ˌvərb\= a concise memorable statement of truth
Foolishness leaves one vulnerable; wisdom provides protection. (1-4)
Foolish people regularly hold positions of honor and authority. (5-7)
Foolishness has consequences. (8-11)
Foolish words lead to destruction; a wise person’s words bring him favor. (12-15)
Foolish leadership is burdensome; wise leadership is a blessing. (16-20)
study questions:
1. Read verses 1-3. What do you learn about a foolish person from these verses? How can one identify a foolish person? What affect do foolish people have on others?
2. Read verses 4-11. The last line in verse 10 says “wisdom helps one to succeed”, what does this mean in real, everyday life? How do verses 4-11 demonstrate and illustrate this point? What from these verses encourages you about the value of wisdom?
3. Read verses 12-14. How would you contrast the words of the wise person to the words of the foolish person? Why do you think words have so much power? (For further insight see Mark 6:45 and James 3:1-12) How have you seen the power of words demonstrated in your life? Share a specific example if possible.
4. Read verses 15-20. How do foolish leaders affect entire nations (vv. 15-17)? How do the foolish approach life (vv. 18-19)? How should we respond to foolish people in leadership and otherwise (vs. 20)?
5. So what? What have you learned about foolishness and wisdom that applies directly to you? How do you see both foolishness and/or wisdom demonstrated in your life? What can you do to personally grow in wisdom?