In his sermon on Ecclesiastes 10:4–15, Stephen Davey explains Solomon’s practical wisdom for navigating the everyday “traffic patterns” of life—especially in dealing with difficult people, dangerous tasks, and careless speech. First, Solomon addresses misguided anger, urging believers not to overreact when authority figures lose their temper but to remain calm, steady, and self-controlled, letting composure defuse conflict. He then highlights misguided appointments, situations where unqualified people are promoted and capable people are overlooked, reminding listeners that such unfairness is common in a fallen world and must be met with humility and trust in God. Next, Solomon describes five dangerous assignments—digging pits, breaking down walls, quarrying stones, splitting logs, and charming snakes—to illustrate the need for practical wisdom: being protective, patient, perceptive, prepared, and punctual rather than reckless or hurried. Finally, Solomon warns about careless conversation, contrasting the gracious speech of the wise with the destructive, devious, delusional, and distracting words of the fool who talks endlessly yet cannot even “find his way to the city.” Davey concludes that wisdom shows up not in heroic moments but in the small, daily choices to watch our walk, our work, and our words, living thoughtfully and faithfully before God in the ordinary routines of life.
Wisdom in the Traffic Patterns of Life
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