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LESSON
11
*March 10-16
Dead Flies and Snake
Charmers: More Life
Under the Sun
SABBATH AFTERNOON
Read for This Weeks Study: Ecclesiastes 10.
Memory Text: Dead flies putrefy the perfumers ointment,
and cause it to give off a foul odor; so does a little folly to one
respected for wisdom and honor (Ecclesiastes 10:1, NKJV).
B
y this time, as far as we are in Ecclesiastes, it should be clear
that its difficult to find a unified flow of thought. That doesnt
mean there arent unified thoughts; its just not easy to find
the flow of those thoughts; that is, it doesnt progress from one
thought to another and to another in any kind of systematic flow. At
least, it doesnt seem to.
Nevertheless, important ideas and thoughts are there, all well worth
our study, especially when studied in comparison with the rest of the
Bible.
This weeks lesson also could have been titled Thoughts, Words,
Actions, for it deals with all three. Solomon talks about our thoughts,
he talks about our words, and he talks about our actions, though not
exactly in that order. Of course, in one sense, if you cover thoughts,
words, and actions, theres isnt much left, is there?
With his powerful poetic style, Solomon gives us more to ponder.
Though we have to work our way through the thoughts of this chap-
ter, when we do we can see that theres a lot of meat here, a lot of prac-
tical wisdom that would do us all well to heed carefully.
*Study this weeks lesson to prepare for Sabbath, March 17.
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SUNDAY March 11
Dead Flies
Ecclesiastes 10:1 really needs to be read along with Ecclesiastes
9:18, at least the last clause. Though not saying exactly the same thing,
Ecclesiastes 9:18 helps clarify the principle found in 10:1, which is
no matter how much good one does, a stupid mistake can so spoil it all.
Last week we talked a little about how in this life we have to make
the choices that will, in the end, determine our eternal destiny. But
many times our choices also have much more immediate conse-
quences. How often someone can, in a weak and unguarded moment,
make a choice that brings sudden and painful consequences. What
makes these events even more tragic is that so often those who make
those wrong choices can be good people, faithful and honorable
souls who, as we all do, slip and fall. In one sense the more honorable,
exalted, and esteemed the person is, the more responsibility upon that
person to weigh his or her decisions carefully.
Below are a few biblical examples of good folk making bad choices.
What caused these people to stumble, and what were the results of
their folly?
Gen. 3:6
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Exod. 32:1-4
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2 Sam. 11:1-4
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A man works many years for the Lord only to, in a weak moment,
make a mistake, perhaps a moral fall, and thensuddenlyhis min-
istry is, if not ruined, then certainly damaged. Whether right or not,
this harsh consequence is a reality, one that should cause us all,
regardless of our position, to walk carefully and circumspectly. In all
the biblical accounts listed above, the Lord obviously forgave these
people; how much more so should we, then, forgive those who have
violated a sacred trust. But forgiveness doesnt automatically mean
that the damage is undone; most times it isnt. How easily a few dead
flies can stink up a whole jar of scented oil!
Whoever you are, whatever your position in the church, think
about the negative consequences that could occur if you were to
violate a trust. Watch and pray before you act!
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T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S
I Have to Teach Tomorrow . . .
Key Text: Ecclesiastes 10:1
Teach the Class to:
Know: Faith and actions are inseparable.
Feel: Gods invitation to reflect the fruit of the Spirit in all our inter-
actions.
Do: Righteous thoughts lead to right actions.
Lesson Outline:
I. Love Mercy (Eccles. 10:1-4, 8, 9, 11-14)

Who else, besides ourselves, is affected by our actions, either good or

bad?

What is the connection between the proverbs in Ecclesiastes 10:8, 9

and Jesus injunction Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown
mercy (Matt. 5:7, NIV)? Can you think of an example from the Bible or
modern times in which a person received the same punishment that he or
she wished on someone else? Elaborate.

Notice the connection between wisdom and grace in Ecclesiastes

10:12. Do the people who speak for the Christian community where you
live reflect Gods grace to the extent they should? What would help them
to do so, and why?
II. Walk Humbly (Eccles. 10:5-7, 10, 16, 17, 20)

Occasionally people of modest means suddenly receive outrageous

financial windfalls. Often they make remarkably stupid decisions in
spending their fortunes. How do the proverbs in Ecclesiastes 10:16 and 17
apply to them? How do they apply to us?

Read Ecclesiastes 10:20. When have you done or said something

embarrassing when you thought no one was paying attention? What les-
son is there for Christians?
Summary: Throughout the day we have opportunities to demonstrate Christian
values. What do people see?
A
B
A
B
C
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MONDAY
March 12
The Fools Heart
Ecclesiastes 10:2 is, obviously, poetic language depicting the dif-
ference between the heart (mind) of a wise person and of a foolish
one. The imagery of left and right hand is found in various places in
the Bible, with the right side considered the side of honor, power, and
favor. After all, Jesus Himself talks about, when He returns, sitting
on the right hand of power (Matt. 26:64; see also Matt. 25:31-34,
Acts 7:55). In contrast, the left side was considered the side of evil and
misfortune. In fact, the Latin word for left hand, sinistra, forms the
basis for the English word sinister. Even today in some countries chil-
dren who show a proclivity toward writing with their left hand are
made to use their right instead.
Keeping these points in mind, what is Solomon saying in Ecclesiastes
10:2?
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Because the heart was considered the center of all thoughts, emo-
tions, and plans (Gen. 6:5, Exod. 25:2, 1 Sam. 16:7), Solomons point
is simply that the wise person guards the thoughts, the feelings, and
the motives, while the foolish person doesnt. This verse shows how
important it is that we keep control over what goes on inside us,
because whats inside sooner or later becomes manifest on the outside.
Howdoes Ecclesiastes 10:3 reveal the point made in the paragraph
above?
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Verse 3 fits perfectly with verse 2. The fools wisdom, which is on
his left side, eventually exposes him to others as a fool. In other words,
sooner or later the corruption of your heart will become clear to oth-
ers because you will, sooner or later, follow the inclinations of your
heart. How important, then, to get control of our hearts! If we have
them under control, the rest of our body will follow.
Suppose you are struggling with wrong thoughts. What does
Deuteronomy 30:6 say, and what hope does it offer? How does
Philippians 4:6-8 offer us practical advice on how to have that
promise fulfilled?
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T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S
STEP 1Motivate!
Just for Teachers: Step 1 of the Natural Learning Cycle links the
learners experiences to the lesson. Help your class members answer
this question: Why is this lesson important to me?
Remember the saying Think before you act? When someone said it to
you, they were advising you to think of the consequences of your actions
before actually doing them.
Suppose you were going to build a new house for your family. You
wouldnt just go out to the property with a shovel and start digging the
foundation footings. There are a lot of thoughts and decisions that go into
such a project before you start it. You and your family would spend time
discussing what is important to have in your new home. You would look at
the finances available, as well as how much money you will need to main-
tain your home after it is built. Then you would do research to determine
which building materials would be best to use, and who should do the
work. Thinking through projects ahead of time will lead to much greater
satisfaction and enjoyment.
Ask if anyone in your class is willing to share an incident, recent or long
past, in which they acted without thinking. What was the result? How
would the result have been different had they contemplated their actions
before implementing them?
STEP 2Explore!
Just for Teachers: This step of the Natural Learning Cycle presents
information learners can use to help them better understand the les-
son. Help your class members answer this question: What do I need to
know from Gods Word?
Bible Commentary
In Ecclesiastes 10 Solomon encourages people to think before they speak
or act. When we stop to consider the results of what we say or do, we will
cause a lot less harm. The same is true for a nation that has wise leaders.
(Review Ecclesiastes 10 with your class.)
C O N T I N U E D
Learning Cycle
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TUESDAY March 13
More Evil
Solomon here continues with more platitudes and sayings. Verses 4-
7, though presenting some difficulty, seem to be talking about the
question touched on earlier in the book, that of injustice and unfair-
ness in this life.
What are some of the injustice and unfairness that he talks about in
these verses? What are some other examples that you can think of?
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In the time of Solomon only the privileged rode upon horses or
mules (2 Sam. 18:9; 1 Kings 1:38; 2 Chron. 25:28; Esther 6:8; Jer.
17:25); men of lower degree used asses for this purpose. In early
Israelite history even kings and princes rode on asses or mules (Judges
5:10; 10:4; cf. 1 Kings 1:33).The SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 3,
p. 1098.
Though most of us might not have a problem with a few rich sitting
in a low place, the point is that things arent always as expected:
Folly wins great dignity and wealth a low spot. Or, in other contexts,
faithful people suffer, evil prospers, and so forth. Maybe this theme is
repeated in Ecclesiastes because the problem is so universal.
Whatever the reason, we cant allow these things to work against our
faith and trust in God. This is just all part of what it means to live in
a fallen world.
What role do we have in working to alleviate the injustices and
inequities that we see? Is it just enough to say, Well, thats what
it means to live in a fallen world, or are we to work for justice,
equity, and fairness? And, if so, how are we to do it? In what
ways would our activism be different from the worlds? See Isa.
58:6, 7; Matt. 26:52; John 18:36; 2 Cor. 10:4; Rev. 13:10.
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T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S
Learning Cycle
C O N T I N U E D
I. Kings (Eccles. 10:4, 17)
Ecclesiastes 10:4
The King James Version uses the word spirit. It means a persons temper
or disposition of mind. Solomon advises us to endure the temporary dis-
pleasure of a superior and let sound judgment rule. Acting hastily may
show emotional instability and lead to adversity (see Prov. 16:14).
Consider This: What about Solomons past helps us to understand
why he talked this way? (Review 1 Kings 2:19-23.)
Ecclesiastes 10:17
Nobles, men of excellent character and conduct, perform their daily tasks
at the proper time. All people in high positions need to be positive exam-
ples for others.
II. Fools (Eccles. 10:3, 5-7, 15-16, 18)
Ecclesiastes 10:3
Fools go about their everyday business showing a lack of ordinary intelli-
gence and common sense. A fools words and actions show that he or she
is a fool.
Consider This: What is the difference between being foolish and
being a fool?
Ecclesiastes 10:5
Those who rule without listening to advice will make mistakes. The more
power a ruler has, the more widespread are the miserable results of his
errors. Poor advisors only multiply mistakes in judgment. (Review 1 Kings
12:1-19.)
Among the many lessons taught by Solomons life, none is more strongly
emphasized than the power of influence for good or for ill.Ellen G.
White, Prophets and Kings, p. 85.
Ecclesiastes 10:6
There are people who are natural leaders. They are loyal and ready to serve
their nation, but they are ignored because they were not born to power.
Consider This: Why would Solomon repeatedly show his disgust
toward the lazy? (Review Prov. 6:6, 10:26, 20:4, 24:32, 26:13.)
C O N T I N U E D
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WEDNESDAY
March 14
The Snake Charmer
Ecclesiastes 10:8-11 is a sequence of short proverbs dealing
with various aspects of life. What points can you make from them?
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These are difficult texts; many commentators see different things in
them. Following the lead of The SDA Bible Commentary, we can dis-
cern the following ideas here.
Verse 8 seems to be talking about what happens when we are vin-
dictive, when we plan evil against someone. The pit that we dug for
someone else we end up falling into (Pss. 7:15; 57:6; Prov. 26:27; see
also Esther 9:23, 25). The same idea is found in the part about the
hedge (wall); when you tear down someone elses wall, you can get
bitten by a snake that lodges there.
Though the exact meaning of verse 9 is debated, Solomon simply
could be saying that even when you do good things, bad consequences
could arise from them. This could fit in with his general pessimism.
Verse 10 is pretty clear. If you are using a dull knife, your work will
be much harder. How much more profitable to sharpen it beforehand.
In the same way, wisdom, i.e., thoughtful preparation before you
undertake anything, would be to your advantage. The Christian
should seek and make use of the finest tools of spiritual craftsmanship
for the task of character construction. Effort alone is insufficient;
there must be knowledge as well as zeal (see Rom. 10:2).The SDA
Bible Commentary, vol. 3, p. 1098.
Verse 11 says, basically, that if the snake bites the charmer before
its charmed, then theres no sense in him trying to charm it. The
meaning, perhaps, is best seen in the last part of the verse, about the
uselessness of a babbler. Charming a snake after it bites you (such as
a viper, whose bite is deadly) is as meaningless and useless as some-
one who babbles.
Go back over the days lesson. Which of these points makes the
most sense or speaks the clearest to you? What lessons can you
learn from it that you should apply to yourself? Are you vindic-
tive? Do you babble too much? How much time do you spend
preparing yourself spiritually for whatever trials the day
brings?
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T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S
Learning Cycle
C O N T I N U E D
III. Thoughts (Eccles. 10:2)
The right side of someone was the side of favor, honor, and success. The
left side was thought to be evil and misfortune. The right and the left also
can mean the greater and the lesser good. The thoughts of the unwise are
weak and impractical and lead to disappointment.
IV. Words (Eccles. 10:12-14, 20)
Ecclesiastes 10:12
Solomon reminds us that gracious or winsome words are pleasing to those
who hear them.
Consider This: How are fools brought to shame by their words? (See
Prov. 10:8, 10:21, 18:7, 29:9.)
Why does Solomon repeatedly express his disgust over foolish words?
Ecclesiastes 10:13
Speaking without thinking causes a person to speak nonsense (see Prov.
15:2, 17:2, Isa. 32:6).
Ecclesiastes 10:14
Fools babble about anything. They have no knowledge of the topics about
which they speak. This probably means that the more foolish a man is,
the more he will be inclined to make dogmatic statements in regard to the
deepest mysteries.The SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 3, p. 1098.
Ecclesiastes 10:20
Solomon cautions us to be careful in what we say. It is dangerous to make
strong statements against other people, especially those in authority. Someone
might be listening and share what you said to those who may cause you harm.
STEP 3Practice!
Just for Teachers: This step of the learning cycle will assist you in
helping your class members find the answer to the following question:
How can I practice the information I just learned?
So it is through personal contact and association that men are reached by
the saving power of the gospel. They are not saved as masses, but as indi-
viduals. Personal influence is a power.Ellen G. White, Prophets and
Kings, p. 232.
C O N T I N U E D
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THURSDAY March 15
The Fools Lips
The rest of Ecclesiastes 10 (vss. 10-20) touches on various themes, but
for today well focus on verses 12-14 and 20, in which the emphasis is
on the use of our words. How careful we must be with what we say!
Compare the lips of the wise and a fool, as depicted in verse 12.
What point is being made? See Ps. 45:2, Prov. 22:11, Luke 4:22.
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The word translated gracious in the first part of the verse is the
same word for grace (Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord
[Gen. 6:8]); grace is unmerited favor; that is, we dont get the pun-
ishment we deserve. Thats the essence of salvation: We are not get-
ting the punishment we deserve (Jesus took it upon Himself instead).
In contrast, the words of the fool cause him to be swallowed, a word
used in various instances to depict sinners being punished (Exod.
15:12, Num. 16:32, Jer. 51:34, Lam. 2:5).
Read Ecclesiastes 10:13. How does this verse amplify what was said
in the previous one?
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How often we dismiss someone as all talk, no action. Many times,
however, talk leads to action, because talk reflects whats in the heart.
It would be bad enough if the fool did nothing but talk; sadly, thats
not always the case. No wonder we are admonished all through the
Bible to watch our words.
Look at verse 20. Whats the wisdom there?
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The bottom line: A wise person will be careful with how he or she
chooses his or her words; a fool, on the other hand, will speak words
that will, one way or another, bring unnecessary pain and sorrow.
Think about a time when unnecessary words you spoke caused
you trouble. What lessons did you learn? What advice could you
give to someone who hasnt yet learned to control the tongue?
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T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S
Learning Cycle
C O N T I N U E D
Thought Question:
How do we choose wise advisors? (Prov. 4:7).
Application Questions:

What can we do to avoid being foolish? (2 Chron. 1:10, Job 11:6, Ps.
51:6, Prov. 1:3, 2:6).

What can we do if we believe we have been foolish?

Witnessing
How do we represent our Christian beliefs to those we interact with each day?
Consider This: Think about someone you are frequently with, who
seems to do many foolish things. What can you do to help this person
learn to make different choices?
STEP 4Apply!
Just for Teachers: In this fourth and final step of the Natural
Learning Cycle, you will want to encourage class members to make a
life response to the lesson. Help them answer this question: With
Gods help, what can I do with what I have learned from this lesson?
The more quiet and simple the life of the child, the more favorable it will
be to both physical and mental development.Ellen G. White, The
Adventist Home, p. 261.
Consider This: How does the above quote apply to other areas of our
lives and the people we interact with?
As a class, consider the following situations and share what we should do in
similar cases. Where do we find wisdom when we have to make a decision?
1. You and your spouse have a disagreement.
2. You need to discipline your young child.
3. You have a difficult problem with your teenager.
4. You have to deal with an adult child who came back home to live.
5. You have to talk to your boss about a moral issue you are facing at work.
6. You have difficulties meeting the needs of your aging parents.
7. A friend asked for your advice but did not accept it.
Challenge your class members to think before they speak and act. Next week,
discuss if their thinking first changed anything for them during the week.
Invite a class member to close with prayer.
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FRIDAY March 16
Further Study: Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, p. 323; Christs
Object Lessons, p. 337; Testimonies for the Church, vol. 2, p. 302.
It is a law of nature that our thoughts and feelings are encouraged
and strengthened as we give them utterance. While words express
thoughts, it is also true that thoughts follow words. If we would give
more expression to our faith, rejoice more in the blessings that we
know we havethe great mercy and love of Godwe should have
more faith and greater joy. No tongue can express, no finite mind can
conceive, the blessing that results from appreciating the goodness and
love of God. Even on earth we may have joy as a wellspring, never
failing, because fed by the streams that flow from the throne of
God.Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing, pp. 251253.
The words we utter today will go on echoing when time shall be no
more. The deeds done today are transferred to the books of heaven,
just as the features are transferred by the artist onto the polished plate.
They will determine our destiny for eternity, for bliss or eternal loss
and agonizing remorse.Ellen G. White, Testimonies to Ministers,
pp. 429, 430.
Discussion Questions:
GThink about the power of wordsthe good they can do or the
evil they can do. As a class, talk about whatever practical things
we can do to help each other understand how important it is that
we carefully guard our words. For instance, who can give per-
sonal examples of lessons they have learned regarding the power
of words? As a class, try to come up with a list of practical sug-
gestions, simple and basic principles that could guide us in how
we use our words.
GBecause our thoughts are so important, what can you do as a
class to help the young people in your church make the right
choices regarding the things they read or watch? Why is it so
important that we be careful about what we put into our minds?
GAs a class, talk about the issue of anyone who has violated a
sacred trust. How have we as a church dealt with such people?
What principles should guide us in these cases? How do we show
mercy and grace toward those who fall while, at the same time,
protecting the flock from those who have violated the trust put in
them?
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