Ecclesiastes 10:9

9 Safety first: Quarrying stones is dangerous. Be alert: Felling trees is hazardous.

Ecclesiastes 10:9 Meaning and Commentary

Ecclesiastes 10:9

Whoso removeth stones shall be hurt therewith
That carries them from the quarry, where they are dug; or takes them from a heap, where they lie; or that attempts to pull them out of a building, where they are put; or removes them from places, where they are set as boundaries and landmarks; all which is troublesome, and by which men get hurt; the stones fall upon them, or are too heavy for them, or they do what they should not do, and so bring themselves into trouble; as do all such persons who are for removing the boundaries of commonwealths and communities, and for changing laws, and altering constitutions; [and] he that cleaveth wood shall be endangered thereby;
of cutting himself: so he that soweth discord among brethren, that makes divisions in families, neighbourhoods, kingdoms, and churches; see ( Proverbs 6:16 Proverbs 6:19 ) ( Romans 16:18 ) . Jarchi renders it, "shall be warmed" or "heated", according to the sense of the word, as he thinks, in ( 1 Kings 1:2 ) ; though he understands it of being profited by studying in the law and the commandments; of which he interprets the clause; and Ben Melech observes, that the word so signifies in the Arabic language; and Mr. Broughton renders it, "shall be heated thereby". The Targum paraphrases it,

``shall be burnt with fire, by the hand of the Angel of the Lord:''
or, however, he may be overheated and do himself hurt, as men, that kindle the flame of contention and strife, often do.

Ecclesiastes 10:9 In-Context

7 I've seen unproven upstarts riding in style, While experienced veterans are put out to pasture.
8 Caution: The trap you set might catch you. Warning: Your accomplice in crime might double-cross you.
9 Safety first: Quarrying stones is dangerous. Be alert: Felling trees is hazardous.
10 Remember: The duller the ax the harder the work; Use your head: The more brains, the less muscle.
11 If the snake bites before it's been charmed, What's the point in then sending for the charmer?
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.