Reading the Word

Ecclesiastes 10:16–17 (ESV)
16 Woe to you, O land, when your king is a child, and your princes feast in the morning!
17 Happy are you, O land, when your king is the son of the nobility, and your princes feast at the proper time, for strength, and not for drunkenness!

Understanding and Applying the Word

We read of two lands with two kings. The first land is under the rule of a king who is a child. This is more a statement of immaturity and lack of wisdom than of age. This king and its princes feast in the morning. Why is this bad? A feast carries with it the idea of partying and drinking to indulge one’s appetite. This is how immature leaders rule. They only seek to feed their own desires. Woe to this land!

The second land is ruled by a wise king whose princes feast at the proper time. They feast when it is proper to do so and do so to restore their strength for the task ahead rather than to get drunk. This land is happy because it is ruled well by those who truly care for the nation.

As we go through these days of division and uncertainty in our country, let us pray that our leaders, whoever they are or will be, will be filled with wisdom and love for the people and that they will look to serve others and not themselves. As we pray for our leaders, let us also do the same in our own lives as we seek to serve others and prioritize telling others of the Good News of Jesus Christ.

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