Welcome back to another episode of Nach Daily with the 10th chapter of Koheles. This perek is not as thematic as the previous one. It’s more of a list of do’s and don’ts, rights and wrongs, as Shlomo continues to share his observations of life.

It opens with Koheles pointing out that a small unpleasant smell has the ability to overpower something beautiful. Similarly, a little bit of cynicism and negativity can destroy so much goodness and positivity.

Foolish people tend to broadcast their ridiculousness to the world, even when in places where no one really knows them.

Passuk 4 says “Im ruach hamoshel ta’aleh alecha, m’komcha al tanach, ki marpei yani’ach chataim gedolim – Should the wrath of the ruler flare up against you, don’t abandoned your post, for when the wrath abates, grave offenses are set aside.”

The Targum explains that if the yetzer hara flares up, stay firm and hold your ground.

On a psychological level, it can be said that when you’re angry, or in a bad mood and life looks bleak, if you’re feeling mad, insecure or threatened, don’t make important life decisions or judgments. Wait until you’re in a calmer state of mind with greater mental clarity, when life is feeling and looking different to you. As our thoughts change like the weather, Shlomo is teaching us that if we just wait a little bit for our minds to settle we’ll be in a better place to make judgments.

In pessukim 6 and 7 Shlomo relates that the world seems upside down, as he’s seen rich people worse off than slaves, and slaves rising to the status of nobility.

The chapter continues listing Shlomo’s various observations: If you dig your own pit, inevitably you’ll fall into it. A person who doesn’t tend to his needs will ultimately burn out. A sword needs to be sharpened, or it will be dull. Soldiers need to constantly be encouraged to be

victorious, and a snake always hisses before it’s about to bite. Therefore, you have to take of your needs in order to be successful.

In verse 12 Shlomo begins to speak about the virtue of using your words properly and wisely, in contrast to someone who speaks thoughtlessly and gets himself into trouble.

In verse 16 Shlomo expressed his dread of a kingdom run by a foolish king with an attitude of spite and vengeance.

The chapter ends in verse 20 saying, “Don’t curse a king even in your thoughts. Don’t curse the rich man even in your bedroom, for a bird of the sky may carry his words, and a winged creature may report the matter.

Stay tuned to the next episode of Nach Daily. Thank you for listening, and have a wonderful day.