Ecclesiastes 10
Ecclesiastes 10 is part of “Death, Chance, and Seizing the Day” (9:1–11:6) in the outline of Ecclesiastes.
Ecclesiastes 10 summary
This chapter seems to be like Solomon's proverbs, a collection of wise sayings and observations, rather than a part of his sermon; but the preacher studied to be sententious, and "set in order many proverbs," to be brought in in his preaching. Yet the general scope of all the observations in this chapter is to recommend wisdom to us, and its precepts and rules, as of great use for the right ordering of our conversation and to caution us against folly. I. He recommends wisdom to private persons, who are in an inferior station. 1.
Read the full introduction
This chapter seems to be like Solomon's proverbs, a collection of wise sayings and observations, rather than a part of his sermon; but the preacher studied to be sententious, and "set in order many proverbs," to be brought in in his preaching. Yet the general scope of all the observations in this chapter is to recommend wisdom to us, and its precepts and rules, as of great use for the right ordering of our conversation and to caution us against folly. I. He recommends wisdom to private persons, who are in an inferior station. 1. It is our wisdom to preserve our reputation, in managing our affairs dexterously (Ecc 10:1-3). 2. To be submissive to our superiors if at any time we have offended them (Ecc 10:4). 3. To live quiet and peaceable lives, and not to meddle with those that are factious and seditious, and are endeavouring to disturb the government and the public repose, the folly and danger of which disloyal and turbulent practices he shows (Ecc 10:8-11). 4. To govern our tongues well (Ecc 10:12-15). 5. To be diligent in our business and provide well for our families (Ecc 10:18, Ecc 10:19). 6. Not to speak ill of our rulers, no, not in secret (Ecc 10:20). II. He recommends wisdom to rulers; let them not think that, because their subjects must be quiet under them, therefore they may do what they please; no, but, 1. Let them be careful whom they prefer to places of trust and power (Ecc 10:5-7). 2. Let them manage themselves discreetly, be generous and not childish, temperate and not luxurious (Ecc 10:16, Ecc 10:17). Happy the nation when princes and people make conscience of their duty according to these rules.
Source: Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Ecclesiastes 10 (GNV)
Geneva Bible 1599 (public domain)
The Folly of Fools
1Dead flies cause to stinke, and putrifie the ointment of the apoticarie: so doeth a litle follie him that is in estimation for wisedome, and for glorie. 2The heart of a wise man is at his right hand: but the heart of a foole is at his left hand. 3And also when the foole goeth by the way, his heart faileth, and he telleth vnto all that he is a foole. 4If the spirite of him that ruleth, rise vp against thee, leaue not thy place: for gentlenes pacifieth great sinnes. 5There is an euil that I haue seene vnder the sunne, as an errour that proceedeth from the face of him that ruleth. 6Follie is set in great excellencie, and the riche set in the lowe place. 7I haue seene seruants on horses, and princes walking as seruants on the ground. 8He that diggeth a pit, shall fal into it, and he that breaketh the hedge, a serpent shall bite him. 9He that remooueth stones, shall hurt himselfe thereby, and hee that cutteth wood, shall be in danger thereby. 10If the yron be blunt, and one hath not whet the edge, he must then put to more strength: but the excellencie to direct a thing is wisedome. 11If the serpent bite, when he is not charmed: no better is a babbler. 12The words of ye mouth of a wise man haue grace: but the lippes of a foole deuoure himselfe. 13The beginning of the wordes of his mouth is foolishnesse, and the latter ende of his mouth is wicked madnesse. 14For the foole multiplieth woordes, saying, Man knoweth not what shall be: and who can tell him what shall be after him? 15The labour of the foolish doeth wearie him: for he knoweth not to goe into the citie. 16Woe to thee, O lande, when thy King is a childe, and thy princes eate in the morning. 17Blessed art thou, O land, when thy King is the sonne of nobles, and thy princes eate in time, for strength and not for drunkennesse. 18By slouthfulnes the roofe of the house goeth to decaie, and by the ydlenesse of the handes the house droppeth through. 19They prepare bread for laughter, and wine comforteth the liuing, but siluer answereth to all. 20Curse not the King, no not in thy thought, neither curse the rich in thy bed chamber: for the foule of the heauen shall carie the voice, and that which hath wings, shall declare the matter.