Ecclesiastes 10: Consider the cost

Solomon's observations turn to the irony of life. Hard work often leads to harder work. Maintaining an Empire can be more time consuming and expensive than building it. Sometimes, the plans of humanity do not end in the goals that were intended. Solomon observes that . . .

He who digs a pit may fall into it.

A serpent may bite him who breaks through a wall.

He who quarries stones may be hurt by them.

He who splits logs may be endangered by them.

All of these illustrate the fallen state of our world in this way: our own plans are finite and limited, and the material world that we live in suffers from sinful contamination. Thus, even the best laid plans can end in injury or death to the planner.

Solomon would not have us grow weary with planning. Instead, he observes the value of thinking ahead.


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.

If the serpent bites before being charmed, there is no profit for the charmer. So make sure you are prepared before engaging difficult circumstance.

Words from the mouth of a wise man are gracious, while the lips of a fool consume him; Think about what you say.

The toil of a fool so wearies him that he does not even know how to go to a city. If you know the way, or ask for directions, you will have a better chance of arriving in a good state of mind, and in one piece.

Woe to you, O land, whose king is a lad and whose princes feast in the morning. Blessed are you, O land, whose king is of nobility and whose princes eat at the appropriate time—for strength and not for drunkenness. Be careful about thinking with your stomach. It will consume your resources, then consume you.

Through indolence the rafters sag, and through slackness the house leaks.
If you build anything, it will cost you to maintain it.

Count the cost.