Steadfast

Ever heard the saying, “It’s the little things that count”? Ecclesiastes 10 opens with a vivid image: “Dead flies make the perfumer’s ointment give off a stench.” It’s a striking reminder that even the smallest compromise can spoil something beautiful. A little folly, a small lapse in judgment, can undo years of good work. Solomon’s words aren’t just poetic — they’re painfully practical. Leadership, whether in a home, a business, or a church, often rises or falls on the small things. Integrity isn’t proven in public moments but in private choices.

Solomon paints a clear contrast between wisdom and foolishness throughout the chapter. The wise are calm, composed, and honorable; the foolish are impulsive, reckless, and loud. It’s not hard to see which type of person we want to follow — or be. Yet, how often do we find ourselves leaning on emotion instead of wisdom, reacting in anger instead of responding with grace? The writer’s challenge is simple but profound: slow down, stay steady, and let calmness, not chaos, guide your actions.

Verse 4 says, “If the anger of the ruler rises against you, do not leave your place, for calmness will lay great offenses to rest.” That’s a powerful picture of self-control. The world tells us to fight fire with fire, but God’s Word calls us to be still when the flames rise. The calm leader isn’t weak — they’re wise. They know that anger only deepens division, but gentle words can mend what pride destroys. True leadership doesn’t react; it reflects. It reflects patience, humility, and faith that God sees what others might overlook.

Then Solomon shifts the focus to work and diligence. He writes, “If the iron is blunt, and one does not sharpen the edge, he must use more strength, but wisdom helps one to succeed.” (v.10) It’s a simple principle — a dull axe takes more effort, but a sharp one cuts clean. The same goes for how we lead and live. We can either rush ahead in our own strength, wearing ourselves out, or take time to “sharpen” through prayer, study, and reflection. Jesus modeled this perfectly — before every major decision, He withdrew to pray. The sharpening moments with God give us the edge we need to lead effectively.

Solomon also spends time warning us about the power of our words. “The words of a wise man’s mouth win him favor, but the lips of a fool consume him.” (v.12) Words are the currency of leadership. They can build up or tear down, heal or wound, inspire or discourage. A wise leader uses words like medicine — carefully, purposefully, and always for good. Proverbs 18:21 reminds us that “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” Leadership demands that we speak truth with grace, not just to be heard, but to help.

One of the most sobering parts of Ecclesiastes 10 comes in verse 20: “Even in your thoughts, do not curse the king, nor in your bedroom curse the rich, for a bird of the air will carry your voice.” It’s Solomon’s poetic way of saying, “Guard your heart, even in private.” True leadership begins in the unseen spaces — in thoughts, prayers, and motives. The wise leader knows that integrity isn’t just what people see; it’s who you are when no one’s watching. In a world obsessed with image, Scripture calls us to cultivate substance.

What’s beautiful about this chapter is how practical it is. Solomon doesn’t just talk about kings and rulers; he talks about you and me — parents, teachers, mentors, volunteers, and workers. Every one of us leads in some way. Maybe you lead a team, maybe a family, maybe just yourself. But leadership, in God’s eyes, isn’t about power or prestige; it’s about stewardship. How we handle the small things, how we treat others, how we respond under pressure — these reveal our spiritual maturity far more than any title ever could.

So what does effective leadership look like in the real world? It looks like the parent who chooses patience over frustration. The employer who values integrity over profit. The believer who speaks peace when others gossip. It’s wisdom that listens before it speaks, prays before it acts, and gives before it gains. Ecclesiastes 10 doesn’t glorify leadership; it grounds it. It reminds us that wisdom is not about control but about character — not about being seen, but about serving well.

The challenge this week is simple: lead where you are. Maybe that’s in your home, in your community, or within your church. Lead with humility. Work wisely, speak graciously, stay calm under pressure, and trust God’s timing even when promotion seems slow to come. Solomon closes the chapter with a reminder that God sees all — both the wise and the foolish. The world may reward appearances, but God rewards faithfulness.

So sharpen your tools, steady your spirit, and keep your words gracious. The truly effective leader is the one who leads like Christ — servant-hearted, calm, and wise. When we walk in His wisdom, even the small things — those quiet, unseen acts of faithfulness — become the very fragrance of His glory in a world that desperately needs it.