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. | |