Ecclesiastes 10:6

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

Study Bible

Folly is appointed to great heights
This phrase highlights the paradoxical nature of human society, where those lacking wisdom or moral integrity often find themselves in positions of power and influence. In biblical context, this can be seen in the stories of leaders like King Saul, whose lack of wisdom led to his downfall (1 Samuel 15). The appointment of folly to high positions can be a result of human error, societal values that prioritize charisma over character, or divine allowance for the purpose of testing or judgment (Daniel 4:17). This theme is echoed in the New Testament, where Paul speaks of God choosing the foolish things of the world to shame the wise (1 Corinthians 1:27), indicating that God's wisdom often contradicts human expectations.

but the rich sit in lowly positions
In ancient Near Eastern culture, wealth was often associated with wisdom and divine favor. However, this phrase suggests a reversal of expected social order, where those who are materially wealthy or wise are relegated to positions of lesser influence. This can be seen as a critique of societal values that fail to recognize true wisdom and righteousness. The Bible often warns against the dangers of wealth leading to pride and a false sense of security (Proverbs 11:28, Matthew 19:24). The imagery of the rich sitting in lowly positions can also be seen as a foreshadowing of the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized humility and servanthood as the true marks of greatness (Matthew 23:11-12). This reversal is a common theme in Scripture, where God exalts the humble and brings down the proud (James 4:6).

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.