The Harm of Fools in Authority

What is as harmful as foolish counsel? Ecclesiastes 10:16–20 prepares us for the hearing of God's Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord's Day. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that foolish governance is as harmful as foolish counsel. The devotional centers on the responsibility and moral accountability of leadership, drawing from Ecclesiastes 10:16–20 to contrast wise governance—marked by disciplined feasting and diligent stewardship—with the folly of self-indulgent rulers who prioritize pleasure over purpose. The passage warns against the dangers of internal rebellion against foolish authority, even in thought, reminding believers that all authority is ultimately under God's sovereign oversight, and that disrespect—even in the heart—violates divine order. Ultimately, the message calls for humility, prayerful dependence on Christ, and a life marked by faithful stewardship and godly respect, even in the face of flawed leadership.