Drink Devotional Method: How Wisdom and Foolishness Shape Our Days (Ecclesiastes 10)

Wisdom and foolishness shapes our life

Wisdom and foolishness—these two forces shape the course of life. Today, we turn to Ecclesiastes chapter 10—a passage filled with contrasts between wisdom and foolishness, and their impact on life. Let us read this chapter slowly and reverently.

D – Devotional Reading

Ecclesiastes 10 (KJV)

1 Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour: so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour.
2 A wise man's heart is at his right hand; but a fool's heart at his left.
3 Yea also, when he that is a fool walketh by the way, his wisdom faileth him, and he saith to every one that he is a fool.
4 If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great offences.
5 There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, as an error which proceedeth from the ruler:
6 Folly is set in great dignity, and the rich sit in low place.
7 I have seen servants upon horses, and princes walking as servants upon the earth.
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.
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.
11 Surely the serpent will bite without enchantment; and a babbler is no better.
12 The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself.
13 The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness: and the end of his talk is mischievous madness.
14 A fool also is full of words: a man cannot tell what shall be; and what shall be after him, who can tell him?
15 The labour of the foolish wearieth every one of them, because he knoweth not how to go to the city.
16 Woe to thee, O land, when thy king is a child, and thy princes eat in the morning!
17 Blessed art thou, O land, when thy king is the son of nobles, and thy princes eat in due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness!
18 By much slothfulness the building decayeth; and through idleness of the hands the house droppeth through.
19 A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry: but money answereth all things.
20 Curse not the king, no not in thy thought; and curse not the rich in thy bedchamber: for a bird of the air shall carry the voice, and that which hath wings shall tell the matter.

R – Reflection

As I read this chapter, I see how even small foolish choices can spoil a life otherwise marked by wisdom and honour—just as a few dead flies ruin a sweet perfume. The contrasts between wisdom and foolishness remind me that they are not neutral; they either build or destroy. A wise heart guides life toward peace, but foolishness brings unnecessary harm, weariness, and shame. I also notice how important it is to practice restraint, especially in words and attitudes. Gracious speech flows from a wise heart, but careless talk leads to ruin. This chapter also speaks to how a leader’s maturity or immaturity affects a land, and how sloth brings decay. It urges me to live intentionally, to sharpen the tools of my life with wisdom from God’s Word.

I – Instruction

This passage calls me to cherish wisdom and foolishness as opposing forces in life. It teaches that wisdom in conduct, speech, and work brings blessing and stability, while foolishness—even in small amounts—brings loss and harm. I must choose wisdom daily.

N – Now Live It

Today, I will examine my words and actions, asking: Are they shaped by God’s wisdom or by my flesh? I will reflect on how wisdom and foolishness influence my decisions. I will seek His guidance in conversations and actions. I will also commit to working diligently in all that God entrusts to me, knowing that sloth brings decay but wisdom builds.

K – Kneel in Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word, for the contrast between wisdom and foolishness that shape people’s lives. Help me guard my heart against foolish thoughts and careless words. May my actions reflect the wisdom that comes from You. Teach me to work diligently and speak graciously, so that my life glorifies You. Let me walk each day in wisdom and avoid the ruin that foolishness brings. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

You may also read our Ecclesiastes 9 Devotional.

🌿 About the DRINK Devotional Method

The DRINK Devotional Method is a structured personal devotional approach designed to help believers engage with Scripture to intentionally walk and grow daily with Christ. Each letter in DRINK stands for a step while doing your silent moment with scripture:

• D – Devotional Reading: Read the selected Bible passage slowly and reverently (preferably at least 1 chapter).

• R – Reflection: Meditate on the truths revealed and how they apply to our walk with God.

• I – Instruction: Identify key lessons, commands, or promises to follow or hold onto.

• N – Now Live It: Commit to a specific action or change based on what God has shown to you to day.

• K – Kneel in Prayer: Close with a sincere prayer, asking the Lord Jesus Christ for grace to live out His Word.

Whether you're just starting a daily devotional habit or seeking a more meaningful Christian devotional routine, DRINK offers a simple yet powerful guide to draw closer to God and let His Word shape your life.

You may also read my Daily Devotions here.

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