Ecclesiastes 10 · Grade 5

Skill Brings Success

Name Date

Read and Think

Chapter 10 gathers proverbs about wisdom and folly. It opens with a vivid picture: Dead flies cause the oil of the perfumer to produce an evil odor; so does a little folly outweigh wisdom and honor. Years of good character can be stained by one foolish act. The Preacher advises calm under pressure: If the spirit of the ruler rises up against you, don't leave your place; for gentleness lays great offenses to rest. He also notes that leadership can be upside down: I have seen servants on horses, and princes walking like servants on the earth.

Practical wisdom is shown in work. He who digs a pit may fall into it; and whoever breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake. Whoever carves out stones may be injured by them. If the ax is blunt, and one doesn't sharpen the edge, then he must use more strength; but skill brings success. Taking time to prepare is wise.

Speech and diligence reveal character. The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious; but a fool is swallowed by his own lips. By slothfulness the roof sinks in; and through idleness of the hands the house leaks. Even our private words matter: Don't curse the king, no, not in your thoughts. In the New Testament, Paul writes, Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt (Colossians 4:6).

Show What You Know

What can stain years of good character?
Who did the Preacher see on horses?
What may injure whoever carves out stones?
What is a fool swallowed by?
What should our speech always be with?

Crossword

Across

If the ax is ____
By slothfulness the ____ sinks in
but skill brings ____

Down

for ____ lays great offenses to rest
The words of a wise man’s mouth are ____

Think About It

Gentleness lays great offenses to rest. When could a gentle answer calm a conflict with friends or at home?
Don't curse the king, no, not in your thoughts. How do private thoughts and words matter to God?

Memory Verse

“The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious; but a fool is swallowed by his own lips.”

Ecclesiastes 10:12 (WEB)

Copy It

Prayer

Dear God, thank You for skill and hard work. Help me . Amen.

Take It Home

For families: talk about these together.

How should our speech be seasoned?
How do private words matter?
What is one way you could live out this chapter this week?