Ecclesiastes 10:15
French (La Bible expliquée)
Le sot se fatigue beaucoup pour peu, lui qui ne sait même pas trouver son chemin pour aller à la ville. A la cour du roi, le Sage a remarqué que, pour bien gouverner, il convient d'abord de savoir se gouverner soi-même. Ainsi, pour bien mener sa barque sur les flots tumultueux de l'existence, il faut tenir sa langue, comme le pilote tient le gouvernail d'un navire (Jacq 3.4-5).
What Does This Mean?
This verse from Ecclesiastes tells us that foolish people tire themselves out because they don't know how to do things efficiently. The speaker is likely the Preacher, and the key message is about the futility of foolishness and the importance of wisdom.
Explained for Children
Imagine trying to build a tower with blocks, but you keep using the smallest blocks at the bottom. It's hard work, but you won't get very far because you're doing it wrong. The verse is like saying, 'Foolish people work really hard but don't get smart about how they do things, so they get tired out easily.'
Historical Background
Ecclesiastes was likely written by King Solomon around the 10th century BC. The audience was the general public of Israel, and the cultural context was one of philosophical inquiry and questioning the meaning of life and work.
Living It Out Today
In a modern scenario, imagine someone trying to fix their computer but doesn't know the basics. They keep trying different things without proper knowledge, which exhausts them and doesn't solve the problem. The verse teaches that wisdom saves energy and achieves better results.
Topics
wisdomfoolishnessefficiencylaborfatigueknowledge
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to know how to go to the city?
To 'know how to go to the city' means having the wisdom and knowledge to navigate through tasks and life effectively, rather than just working hard without direction.
Why does foolish labor wear people out?
Foolish labor is exhausting because it is done inefficiently. Without wisdom, efforts may be misdirected or poorly planned, leading to unnecessary exertion.
How can we apply this verse in our daily lives?
We can apply this by seeking wisdom before acting, planning our tasks carefully, and not just working harder but smarter to achieve our goals.
What is the main message of Ecclesiastes 10:15?
The main message is that foolishness leads to wasted effort and exhaustion, while wisdom provides direction and efficiency in our endeavors.
Compare Ecclesiastes 10:15 across all translations →