Ecclesiastes 10:5

5 There is an evil I have seen under the sun-- [it is] an error that proceeds from a ruler!

Ecclesiastes 10:5 Meaning and Commentary

Ecclesiastes 10:5

There is an evil [which] I have seen under the sun
Which Solomon had observed in the course of his life, practised in some kingdoms and by some princes on earth, under the sun; for there is nothing of the like kind, as after mentioned, done in heaven, above the sun; as an error [which] proceedeth from the ruler;
from the supreme ruler of a nation, the king of it; and it is not only as an error, or like one, a seeming one; but it is a real error, bestowing places of honour and profit on undeserving persons: which error proceeds from ignorance of the persons; or from affection to them, and from friendship cultivated with them in the younger time of life, being educated with them; or through the misrepresentation and imposition of those about him, who have ends to serve by their promotion; or through his own lusts and passions, which these men indulge him in. It may be understood of God, the supreme ruler, who suffers such things to be; and which may seem to some an error in providence, though it is not: but the other sense is best.

Ecclesiastes 10:5 In-Context

3 Even when the fool walks along the road, he lacks sense; he tells everyone [that] he is a fool.

4 If the anger of the ruler rises against you, do not leave your post, for calmness can undo great offenses.

5 There is an evil I have seen under the sun-- [it is] an error that proceeds from a ruler!

6 The fool is set in many high places, but the rich sit in lowly places.

7 I have even seen slaves [riding] on horses and princes walking like slaves on the earth!