Daily Devotions
Ecclesiastes
"A serpent may bite when it is not charmed"
Text: Ecclesiastes 10:11
A NOTE ABOUT BABBLERS
The subject that Solomon was working on was about wisdom and how it applies to work. Wisdom is sometimes better understood when it is contrasted with foolishness. Folly can be deadly.
“A serpent may bite when it is not charmed;
The babbler is no different.”
Ecclesiastes 10:11
1. Serpents (snakes)
a) Little was known about snakes in the days of Solomon.
b) The imagery used here is that of a snake charmer.
c) He is supposed to have “charmed” the snakes he is handling.
2. “A serpent may bite when it is not charmed”
a) A serpent may still bite when it is “charmed”.
b) The snake charmer does not actually have the ability to charm the snake.
i) He is a skilful person.
ii) He is faster than the snake.
iii) He is able to handle his snakes well and thus he is seen as one who
seems to be able to charm the snake.
c) A serpent can easily strike and harm a person.
i) A snake does not normally go out of its way to bite people.
ii) It bites only when it feels threatened.
3. “The babbler is no different”
a) A babbler may be defined as:
i) A foolish person.
ii) He does not have deep knowledge but he still speaks as if he was wise.
iii) He opines on many subjects that he knows little about.
b) He is likened to a serpent that bites and hurts people.
i) A babbler that does not know how to bridle his tongue is dangerous.
ii) He can say things that can cause much hurt and damage.
The challenge is to seek wisdom so that one does not end up being a babbler.