Verse 10 – Because a fool refuses to learn discipline, he is unprepared to handle money when he inherits it. He mismanages it by carelessly indulging every whim. He squanders his resources and his foolishness becomes evident to all. Prosperity is a reward of diligence; it is fitting for those who are wise, who work well, and who know how to handle it. It goes against all that is right and proper for a fool to enjoy luxury that he has done nothing to earn.
In the same way that luxury is not fitting for a fool, so it is not fitting for a servant to rule over princes. When a person with a servile mentality is put in a position of authority, he usually becomes arrogant and abusive of those under him. It is repugnant to see such a person belittle and overrule those with the princely qualities of true leadership.
Verse 11 – A wise man is patient and not easily offended. He graciously overlooks people’s faults rather than letting them irritate him. It is a man’s glory to reflect God’s character. Patiently bearing with the weaknesses and faults of others reflects God’s forgiving nature. Patience and love are part of the fruit of the Spirit. We can ask God for wisdom and to be filled with the Holy Spirit, who produces that fruit within us. When we are filled with God’s love, we do not allow offences to disturb us. “Love (God’s love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it [it pays no attention to a suffered wrong]” (1 Corinthians 13:5b, AMP).
Verse 12 – This verse is simply saying that the king’s wrath is as terrifying as the roaring of a lion, but his favor is as refreshing as dew upon the grass. The “king” can be anyone who is in a position of authority. Those who are in positions of authority can cause fear in the hearts of those beneath them if they are unhappy, and begin “roaring” about something. However, if the same people in authority are gracious to those beneath them, it is refreshing like the dew on grass. If God has blessed us by allowing us to be in a position of authority, we should show “kingly” kindness to those we manage. This brings glory to our Lord. However, if we are like a roaring lion to those under our authority, we are not pleasing to the Lord. We should show His nature in all of our affairs.
