<< Ecclesiastes 10 >>
Geneva Study Bible


10:2 A {a} wise man's heart [is] at his right hand; but a fool's heart [is] at his left.

(a) So that he does all things well and justly, where as the fool does the contrary.


10:3 Also, when he that is a fool walketh by the way, his wisdom faileth [him], and he {b} saith to every one [that] he [is] a fool.

(b) By his doings he betrays himself.


10:4 If the {c} spirit of the ruler riseth against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great offences.

(c) If your superior is angry with you, be discrete and not moved.


10:5 There is an evil [which] I have seen under the sun, as an {d} error [which] proceedeth from the ruler:

(d) Meaning that it is an evil thing when they who are in authority fail and do not do their duty.


10:6 Folly is set in great dignity, and the {e} rich sit in low place.

(e) They who are rich in wisdom and virtue.


10:10 If the iron is blunt, and he doth not whet the edge, then must he use more {f} strength: but wisdom [is] profitable to direct.

(f) Without wisdom, whatever a man takes in hand, turns to his own hurt.


10:15 The labour of the foolish wearieth every one of them, because he knoweth not how to go to the {g} city.

(g) The ignorance and beastliness of the wicked is such that they know not common things, and yet will discuss high matters.


10:16 Woe to thee, O land, when thy king [is] a {h} child, and thy princes {i} eat in the morning!

(h) That is, without wisdom and counsel.

(i) Are given to their lusts and pleasures.


10:17 Blessed [art] thou, O land, when thy king [is] the son {k} of nobles, and thy princes eat in due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness!

(k) Meaning, when he is noble for virtue and wisdom and with the gifts of God.


10:20 Curse not the king, no not in thy thought; and curse not the rich in thy bedchamber: for a {l} bird of the air shall carry the voice, and that which hath wings shall tell the matter.

(l) You cannot work evil so secretly that it will not be known.



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