1 Dead flies cause the oil of the perfumer to send forth an evil odor; so does a little folly outweigh wisdom and honor. 2 A wise man's heart is at his right hand, but a fool's heart at his left. 3 Yes also, when the fool walks by the way, his understanding fails him, and he says to everyone that he is a fool. 4 If the spirit of the ruler rises up against you, don't leave your place; for gentleness lays great offenses to rest. 5 There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, the sort of error which proceeds from the ruler. 6 Folly is set in great dignity, and the rich sit in a low place. 7 I have seen servants on horses, and princes walking like servants on the earth. 8 He who digs a pit may fall into it; and whoever breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake. 9 Whoever carves out stones may be injured by them. Whoever splits wood may be endangered thereby. 10 If the axe is blunt, and one doesn't sharpen the edge, then he must use more strength; but skill brings success. 11 If the snake bites before it is charmed, then is there no profit for the charmer's tongue. 12 The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious; but a fool is swallowed by his own lips. 13 The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness; and the end of his talk is mischievous madness. 14 A fool also multiplies words. Man doesn't know what will be; and that which will be after him, who can tell him? 15 The labor of fools wearies every one of them; for he doesn't know how to go to the city. 16 Woe to you, land, when your king is a child, and your princes eat in the morning! 17 Happy are you, land, when your king is the son of nobles, and your princes eat in due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness! 18 By slothfulness the roof sinks in; and through idleness of the hands the house leaks. 19 A feast is made for laughter, and wine makes the life glad; and money is the answer for all things. 20 Don't curse the king, no, not in your thoughts; and don't curse the rich in your bedroom: for a bird of the sky may carry your voice, and that which has wings may tell the matter.
This chapter resembles a portion of the Book of Proverbs, consisting entirely of rhythmical sentences giving advice, more or less direct, as to conduct. It is part of the writer's answer to the question Ecclesiastes 2:3; Ecclesiastes 6:12 "What is good for men to do?" The thought which underlies the whole chapter is the advantage of that wisdom which includes piety and patience, as practical guidance through all the perplexities of life: various traits of wisdom are set forth in a favorable light, heightened by contrast with folly. A great part of the advice seems, in addition to its general application, to have a special reference to servants of a king.
Observations on wisdom and folly, Ecclesiastes 10:1-3. Concerning right conduct towards rulers, Ecclesiastes 10:4. Merit depressed, and worthlessness exalted, Ecclesiastes 10:5-7. Of him who digs a pit and removes a landmark, Ecclesiastes 10:8, Ecclesiastes 10:9. The use of wisdom and experience, Ecclesiastes 10:10. Of the babbler and the fool, Ecclesiastes 10:11-15. The infant king, Ecclesiastes 10:16. The well-regulated court, Ecclesiastes 10:17. Of slothfulness, Ecclesiastes 10:18. Of feasting, Ecclesiastes 10:19. Speak not evil of the king, Ecclesiastes 10:20.
INTRODUCTION TO ECCLESIASTES 10
This chapter treats of the difference between wisdom and folly; and of the preferableness of the one, to the other, especially in civil government: folly is compared to a dead or deadly fly; a little of which as much hurts a wise man's reputation, as that does the most precious ointment, Ecclesiastes 10:1. A wise man and a fool differ in the situation of their heart; which is in the one on the right hand, in the other on the left, Ecclesiastes 10:2; the folly of the latter lies not only in his heart, but betrays itself throughout the whole of his conversation, Ecclesiastes 10:3. And it is one part of wisdom in a subject to bear patiently the anger of his prince, and not in a passion and at once leave his service, Ecclesiastes 10:4. And, among the follies of princes, this is a great one; to bestow their honours and favours on improper persons, to the neglect of such as are deserving, Ecclesiastes 10:5. And several proverbial expressions are used, as cautions to a wise man against plotting mischief to others; breaking in upon the constitution and laws of a commonwealth; weakening the strength of the state by an methods, and making discord in it, and carrying thin by mere strength and force; when, if wisdom used, it would direct to proper ways and means, by which things would be managed to the best advantage, Ecclesiastes 10:8. Then the babbling of fools against a government is exposed, which is like the secret bite of a serpent, Ecclesiastes 10:11; and the difference between the words of wise men, which express grace and kindness, and are amiable and acceptable to men; and those of fools, which destroy themselves, begin in folly, and end in mischief; are noisy, and without meaning; do not direct to things most plain and easy, but wearisome and fatiguing to themselves and others, Ecclesiastes 10:12. Next the unhappiness of a land is observed, when the governors of it are childish, intemperate, slothful, and prodigal; the happiness of a country when it is the reverse, Ecclesiastes 10:16; and the chapter is concluded with advice not to curse a king, or any great personage; no, not in the most private and secret manner; since, by one means or another, it will be discovered Ecclesiastes 10:20.
(Ecclesiastes 10:1-3) To preserve a character for wisdom.
(Ecclesiastes 10:4-10) Respecting subjects and rulers.
(Ecclesiastes 10:11-15) Of foolish talk.
(Ecclesiastes 10:16-20) Duties of rulers and subjects.
*More commentary available by clicking individual verses.