Ecclesiastes 10:6

Folly is appointed to great heights, but the rich sit in lowly positions.

Study Bible

Folly is set in many high places
The word "folly" in Hebrew is "סִכְלוּת" (sikluth), which refers to foolishness or lack of good sense. In the context of Ecclesiastes, folly often represents a departure from wisdom and godly living. The phrase "set in many high places" suggests a societal inversion where those lacking wisdom and discernment are elevated to positions of authority and influence. Historically, this reflects the recurring biblical theme where leaders, kings, or officials who do not follow God's wisdom lead to societal decay. The "high places" can also be seen as positions of power or influence, which, when occupied by the foolish, lead to mismanagement and corruption. This serves as a cautionary reminder of the importance of godly wisdom in leadership.

but the rich sit in lowly positions
The term "rich" here, in Hebrew "עָשִׁיר" (ashir), often denotes not just material wealth but also those who are rich in wisdom and understanding. The juxtaposition of the rich sitting in "lowly positions" highlights a societal anomaly where those who are truly wise and capable are not given the positions of influence they deserve. This can be seen as a critique of a world that often values superficial qualities over true wisdom and godliness. Historically, this reflects the biblical narrative where true wisdom and godliness are often overlooked or undervalued by society. The "lowly positions" symbolize humility and the often hidden nature of true wisdom, which does not seek its own elevation but serves faithfully regardless of recognition. This serves as an encouragement to value and seek godly wisdom, even when it is not recognized by the world.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Solomon
Traditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom, wealth, and writings. Ecclesiastes is part of the wisdom literature attributed to him.

2. Israel
The nation over which Solomon reigned. The societal structure and governance of Israel during Solomon's time provide context for understanding the observations in Ecclesiastes.

3. Fools and Wise
The book contrasts the lives and outcomes of the foolish and the wise, often using societal roles and positions to illustrate these differences.

4. High Places
In the context of this verse, "high places" refers to positions of authority or influence within society.

5. Rich and Poor
The verse contrasts the societal positions of the rich and the poor, using them as metaphors for wisdom and folly.

Teaching Points

The Inversion of Worldly Values
The verse highlights the irony and folly of worldly systems where those lacking wisdom are often elevated to positions of power. This serves as a reminder to evaluate leadership and authority through the lens of godly wisdom rather than societal status.

The Humility of the Wise
The "rich" sitting in lowly positions can symbolize those who are rich in wisdom and understanding. True wisdom often comes with humility, and the wise may not always occupy the highest societal roles.

The Danger of Folly in Leadership
When folly is set in high places, it can lead to societal decay and injustice. This calls for discernment in choosing leaders and a reminder to pray for those in authority.

God's Sovereignty Over Human Affairs
Despite the apparent disorder in human systems, God remains sovereign. Believers are encouraged to trust in His ultimate justice and order.

The Call to Seek Wisdom
The verse serves as a call to pursue wisdom and understanding, aligning oneself with God's values rather than the world's.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the placement of "folly in high places" reflect the values of the world compared to the values of God's kingdom?

2. In what ways can we identify and support wise leadership in our communities and churches?

3. How does the concept of the "rich sitting in lowly positions" challenge our understanding of success and status?

4. What practical steps can we take to cultivate humility and wisdom in our own lives?

5. How do other scriptures, such as 1 Corinthians 1:27 and James 2:5, help us understand God's perspective on wisdom and folly?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Proverbs 19:10
This verse also discusses the incongruity of fools in positions of power, reinforcing the theme of misplaced authority.

1 Corinthians 1:27
Paul speaks of God choosing the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, which can be seen as a divine inversion of societal norms.

James 2:5
James highlights God's choice of the poor to be rich in faith, which parallels the theme of unexpected roles and positions.