Ecclesiastes 10:8 He who digs a pit will fall into it,
and a serpent will bite him who breaks through a wall.
9 He who quarries stones is hurt by them,
and he who splits logs is endangered by them.
10 If the iron is blunt, and one does not sharpen the edge,
he must use more strength,
but wisdom helps one to succeed.
We saw yesterday in chapter 11 that life requires us to take risks, even when we don't know what lies on the other side of those choices. This verse appears in the chapter before and gives us some of the thought that was in the background of chapter 11. Taking a risk could lead to harm or even be fatal. But rather than being a deterrent to taking risks, this verse is actually surrounded by things that minimalize the negative potential of taking those risks - statements like verse 4 If the anger of the ruler rises against you, do not leave your place, for calmness will lay great offenses to rest.
In other words, if you find yourself in trouble, don't run away or lash out; stay calm. This chapter if full of statements about choosing wisely when it comes to your words or doing things at the proper time, which will keep you from "falling into the pit or getting bit" more often than you would because you are acting or speaking foolishly. Taking risks is not the same as being foolish; it is moving forward and trusting God in what He has shown you what He wants you to do. There may be pains and struggles along the way, but they will be bearable because you know you're in God's will.
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