| Ecclesiastes 10:11 – “If a snake bites before it is charmed, there is no profit for the charmer.” |
Early one morning during my Bible reading last week, I came across a verse in Ecclesiastes that made me stop and think. When I read it again, it made me laugh out loud.
I know I’ve read this verse before. I’ve studied through Ecclesiastes many times. But this time, the words really captured my attention.
“If a snake bites before it is charmed, there is no profit for the charmer.” —Ecclesiastes 10:11, NIV
I particularly appreciate how the New Living Translation renders this unique verse:
“If a snake bites before you charm it, what’s the use of being a snake charmer?” —Ecclesiastes 10:11, NLT
Can I get an “Amen?”
And may I also offer an additional consideration: Why be a snake charmer to begin with? Surely there’s a better use of your time.
Yet Solomon’s point is unmistakable. It drips with the kind of sage wisdom that only comes from failed life experiences.
Some people simply aren’t worth “charming.” They’re toxic, deceitful, and destructive. Striving to earn their favor or approval is only going to lead to your being hurt; or, as Solomon so eloquently and vividly describes it, your being “bit.”
Yikes.
And if they bite you once, they’ll likely bite you again.
Unfortunately, human default plays in the wrong arena and charms the wrong crowd. But as followers of Jesus, we aim to please an audience of One.
The apostle Paul said to the churches of Galatia:
“Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.” —Galatians 1:10, NIV
This doesn’t mean we ignore or dilute people’s perceptions of us. Our witness, character, and reputation absolutely matter. It simply means we care more about how God perceives us.
Striving to “charm” anyone or anything other than God doesn’t end well. Through it all, it is the “Lord Christ” whom we are serving (Colossians 3:24).
So, if you’re striving to charm snakes, find a new hobby. If you’re striving to please God, keep building on that habit.
The most famous snake in history (Genesis 3:1) certainly wasn’t worth the charm.
- Jacob Hawk
