Ecclesiastes, 10

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The author reflects on the folly of folly, stating that a man who is foolish will bring ruin upon himself and others.

Ecclesiastes, 10

20
verses
●
2
min

Bible version

The Folly of Folly

1 Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour: so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour.
2 A wise man's heart is at his right hand; but a fool's heart at his left.
3 Yea also, when he that is a fool walketh by the way, his wisdom faileth him, and he saith to every one that he is a fool.
4 If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great offences.
5 There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, as an error which proceedeth from the ruler:
6 Folly is set in great dignity, and the rich sit in low place.
7 I have seen servants upon horses, and princes walking as servants upon the earth.
8 He that diggeth a pit shall fall into it; and whoso breaketh an hedge, a serpent shall bite him.
9 Whoso removeth stones shall be hurt therewith; and he that cleaveth wood shall be endangered thereby.
10 If the iron be blunt, and he do not whet the edge, then must he put to more strength: but wisdom is profitable to direct.
11 Surely the serpent will bite without enchantment; and a babbler is no better.
12 The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself.
13 The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness: and the end of his talk is mischievous madness.
14 A fool also is full of words: a man cannot tell what shall be; and what shall be after him, who can tell him?
15 The labour of the foolish wearieth every one of them, because he knoweth not how to go to the city.
16 Woe to thee, O land, when thy king is a child, and thy princes eat in the morning!
17 Blessed art thou, O land, when thy king is the son of nobles, and thy princes eat in due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness!
18 By much slothfulness the building decayeth; and through idleness of the hands the house droppeth through.
19 A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry: but money answereth all things.
20 Curse not the king, no not in thy thought; and curse not the rich in thy bedchamber: for a bird of the air shall carry the voice, and that which hath wings shall tell the matter.

Commentary

Ecclesiastes 10 is a chapter that speaks to the importance of wisdom and the consequences of foolishness. The author begins by noting that a little folly can ruin a great reputation, and that a wise man's heart can discern both time and judgment. He then goes on to explain that a wise man's heart will guide his mouth and his lips will preserve him from trouble. The author then speaks of the consequences of foolishness. He notes that a fool's heart is in his mouth, and that his lips will bring him into trouble. He also notes that a fool's words will bring him into a snare, and that he will be taken in the calamity of his own lips. The author then speaks of the importance of wisdom. He notes that wisdom is better than weapons of war, and that one wise man can put a thousand to flight. He also notes that wisdom is better than strength, and that it is better to have wisdom than to have power. The author then speaks of the importance of diligence. He notes that a slack hand causes poverty, and that diligence brings wealth. He also notes that a wise man's eyes are in his head, and that he will not wander about in darkness. Finally, the author speaks of the importance of humility. He notes that a wise man's heart will humble himself before the Lord, and that he will not exalt himself in the presence of the great. In conclusion, Ecclesiastes 10 speaks to the importance of wisdom, the consequences of foolishness, the importance of diligence, and the importance of humility. It is a reminder that wisdom is better than strength, and that humility is better than pride.

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FAQ

Assuming a reader with an average reading speed of 300 WPM reads the Ecclesiastes, chapter 10 it would take approximately 2 minutes to finish.

There are 20 verses in Ecclesiastes, chapter 10.