Ecclesiastes 10:2-12

2 A wise man’s heart is at his right hand, but a fool’s heart at his left.

3 Even when the fool walks by the way, he lacks prudence, and he says unto every one that he is a fool.

4 If the spirit of the ruler rises up against thee, do not leave thy place; for meekness pacifies great sins.

5 There is another evil which I have seen under the sun, as an error which proceeds from the ruler:

6 Folly is set in great dignity, and the rich are seated in a low place.

7 I saw slaves upon horses, and princes walking as slaves upon the earth.

8 He that digs a pit shall fall into it, and whosoever breaks a hedge, a serpent shall bite him.

9 Whosoever moves the stones shall have tribulation along with it, and he that cuts the firewood shall be endangered by it.

10 If the iron is blunt, and he does not whet the edge, then he must put forth more strength, but the advantages of wisdom excel.

11 If the serpent bites without being enchanted, then the babbler is no more.

12 The words from the mouth of the wise man are grace, but the lips of the fool will swallow up himself.

Ecclesiastes 10:2-12 Meaning and Commentary

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, Ec 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, Ec 10:2; the folly of the latter lies not only in his heart, but betrays itself throughout the whole of his conversation, Ec 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, Ec 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, Ec 10:5-7. 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, Ec 10:8-10. Then the babbling of fools against a government is exposed, which is like the secret bite of a serpent, Ec 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, Ec 10:12-15. 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, Ec 10:16-19; 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 Ec 10:20.