College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
Ecclesiastes 10:8-11
3. Failures in life result from lack of Wis. 10:8-11
TEXT 10:8-11
8
He who digs a pit may fall into it, and a serpent may bite him who breaks through a wall.
9
He who quarries stones may be hurt by them, and he who splits logs may be endangered by them.
10
If the axe is dull and he does not sharpen its edge, then he must exert more strength. Wisdom has the advantage of giving success.
11
If the serpent bites before being charmed, there is no profit for the charmer.
THOUGHT QUESTIONS 10:8-11
381.
The activities described in verse eight and nine are normal. The danger lies in the fact that what quality is missing in the activity?
382.
A dull axe is symbolic of one who attempts to work without what?
383.
When is it too late for a charmer: What lesson is taught by this illustration?
PARAPHRASE 10:8-11
The one who attempts to dig a pit for others will fall into it himself, and he who breaks down a stone wall will be bitten by a snake. The one who removes stones or hews out new stones will be hurt by them, and he who splits logs or fells trees will suffer hurt. When one fails to sharpen the cutting edge of the axe, he will have to work doubly hard to accomplish his work. However, if he demonstrates wisdom in his action he will have great success. Why call in a snake charmer and pay him to charm the snake after it has already bitten. What wisdom is there in this?
COMMENT 10:8-11
The following four illustrations demonstrate further the foolishness of working without the aid of wisdom. In the midst of the illustrations the Preacher pauses for a moment to make clear the emphasis he wishes to make: He says, Wisdom has the advantage of giving success.
Ecclesiastes 10:8 In a similar passage in Proverbs 26:26-27, the context suggests evil activity. If such is the case in this verse, the digging of a pit would be an effort to try and snare another person or do him harm. In like manner, breaking through a wall would imply that one would be making an effort to steal from his neighbor. In both instances wisdom would be lacking as it directs one in the path of righteousness. Consistent with this interpretation is Psalms 7:15-16; Psalms 57:6 and Amos 5:18-20. The principle of retribution, taught clearly in the verse, also fortifies the argument that the activity is of an evil nature. The one who digs a pit will fall into it, and the one who breaks through a wall will be bitten by a serpent. The Amplified Bible translates the verse: He who digs a pit (for others) will fall into it, and whoever breaks through a fence or a stonewall, a serpent will bite him. Although most snakes in Palestine are harmless, there are some which are deadly.
Ecclesiastes 10:9 This verse does not suggest retribution as did the former verse. Rather, it speaks to the accidents which may result from common everyday work when wisdom is not employed. One does not have to work long in a stone quarry or logging camp until the potential dangers are evident. To quarry stones and split logs suggests building something new. Wisdom is an essential element in such an enterprise.
Ecclesiastes 10:10 The axe may be symbolic of all implements used by men in the activities of their work. When wisdom is not employed the maximum benefit of all implements is lessened. One must exert much more energy when the edge of the ax has not been properly honed. The latter part of the verse may be translated, Wisdom is profitable to direct. Perhaps more time would be consumed in planning the work and sharpening the tools, but such purposeful direction pays dividends in both the energy exerted and the amount of work accomplished. Once again the value of wisdom is demonstrated.
Ecclesiastes 10:11 This final illustration demonstrates the foolishness of neglecting opportunities. In this instance wisdom would have directed the one responsible for charming the snake to employ a charmer (one who tames or controls the snake) before he had displayed the snake. Eastern cultures have practiced snake charming for centuries. References to the practice are found elsewhere in the Old Testament. (Cf. Exodus 7:11; Psalms 58:5-6; Jeremiah 8:17) If one has the secret to charm the snake, but does not use it and is bitten by it, what benefit does he gain from such wisdom? To be bitten by a poisonous viper which spreads its destructive venom throughout the body, is likened unto a slanderer who by his words destroys the character of another. Note the Amplified Bible where the verse is rendered: If the serpent bites before it is charmed, then it is no use to call a charmer, (and the slanderer is no better than the uncharmed snake). Wisdom teaches that both the serpent and the slanderer be controlled before they have an opportunity to destroy. A similar analogy is made by Jesus in Matthew 23:33. It is one thing to possess wisdom, it is something else to use it to advantage.
FACT QUESTIONS 10:8-11
505.
What emphasis do the four closing illustrations have in common?
506.
The fact that one will be bitten by a serpent or fall into a pit suggests the activity described in verse eight is good or evil? Explain.
507.
Why do the accidents recorded in verse nine happen?
508.
If the axe represents all implements, what lesson is taught by the fact that it is not properly sharpened?
509.
If one were wise, he would have done what with the serpent?