How to Avoid Meeting a Fool in the Mirror

Text: Ecclesiastes 10:1-20

Introduction:

 Previously, we have met wisdom and the Grim Reaper. Now we will meet a fool.

 The fool in Scripture is not a person who is devoid of knowledge, but rather, one who rejects wisdom

 The ultimate test of foolishness is rejecting God (Ps. 19:1)

Proposition: To avoid looking at a fool in the mirror we must follow the sensible guidelines in the Scriptures

Transitional Sentence: In Ecclesiastes 10 we have several insights that need to be applied to our lives.

  1. Descriptive Illustrations of the Fool (10:1-3)
    1. Flies in the ointment (10:1)
    2. Straying to the left (10:2)
    3. Not reading the road signs (10:3)
  2. Insightful Admonitions to avoid becoming a Fool (10:4-20)
    1. Be careful who you promote (10:5-7)
    2. Plan for the worst (10:8-9)
    3. Take time to prepare (10:10-11)
    4. Hold your tongue (10:12-14)
    5. Don’t be lazy (10:15-19)
    6. Respect authority (10:20)

Conclusion: Many miss success in this life because they "shoot themselves in the foot." The above six admonitions are a great checklist for tackling any project, sacred or secular.