The Wisdom of Few Words and Self Control

Ecclesiastes 10:12-14 ¶ The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself. The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness: and the end of his talk is mischievous madness. A fool also is full of words: a man cannot tell what shall be; and what shall be after him, who can tell him?

This is another of many sections of scripture that speak to the importance of controlling one’s tongue. The words of a wise man are characterized by graciousness—showing kindness and mercy. He is looking to accomplish good with what he says.

The words of a fool, however, are characterized by destruction—both to himself and those to whom he speaks. It brings to mind a common saying, “Open mouth, insert foot.” The wise man recognizes that the more you say, the more apt you are to find those words turned against you. The foolish man just loves to hear himself talk; he is not that interested in listening or in considering the possible consequences of having those words used against him.

This brings to mind Solomon’s words from chapter 5: “Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.”

And these words from the Proverbs:

Proverbs 21:23 “Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.”

Only God knows the future, and only a foolish man would claim to know anything about the future other than what God has revealed.

Proverbs 27:1 “Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.”

Ecclesiastes 10:15 The labour of the foolish wearieth every one of them, because he knoweth not how to go to the city.

Foolish people weary themselves by investing time and energy in things that are of no real benefit. This is a direct result of embracing the wisdom of this world and rejecting the wisdom of God as revealed in His word.

The IVP New Bible Commentary was helpful with this verse; it states: “Towns are conspicuous but the fool misses the way even to what is obvious.”

Ecclesiastes 10:16-17 ¶ Woe to thee, O land, when thy king is a child, and thy princes eat in the morning! 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!

In these verses Solomon is drawing a contrast between immature, inexperienced leadership and mature, sober leadership. A nation whose leader is immature and is ruled by his flesh will not provide the leadership necessary to protect his nation and implement practices that will promote its health and welfare. A nation whose leader is mature and self-controlled is more likely to provide the leadership necessary to benefit his people.

Age is not necessarily the defining factor in this context. I couldn’t help but think of King Josiah, who ascended to the throne at age 8, as I read these verses. Though he was very young, scripture tells us that he “did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, and walked in all the way of David his father, and turned not aside to the right hand or to the left.” (2Kings 22:2) He was young, but he was wise.

Psalms 111:10 “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.”