Ecclesiastes 10 - Meaning, Themes & Application

" 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. "

" A wise man's heart is at his right hand; but a fool's heart at his left. "

" 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. "

" If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great offences. "

" There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, as an error which proceedeth from the ruler: "

" Folly is set in great dignity, and the rich sit in low place. "

" I have seen servants upon horses, and princes walking as servants upon the earth. "

" He that diggeth a pit shall fall into it; and whoso breaketh an hedge, a serpent shall bite "

" Whoso removeth stones shall be hurt therewith; and he that cleaveth wood shall be endangered "

" 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. "

Ecclesiastes 10:10 means it’s wiser to prepare than to just work harder. A dull axe makes you sweat more; a sharpened one does the job …

" Surely the serpent will bite without enchantment; and a babbler is no better. "

" The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up "

" The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness: and the end of his talk is mischievous madness. "

" A fool also is full of words: a man cannot tell what shall be; and what shall be after him, who can tell "

" The labour of the foolish wearieth every one of them, because he knoweth not how to go to the city. "

" Woe to thee, O land, when thy king is a child, and thy princes eat in the morning! "

" 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! "

Ecclesiastes 10:17 means a nation is blessed when its leaders are mature, self-controlled, and responsible. They take care of themselves so they can serve well, …

" By much slothfulness the building decayeth; and through idleness of the hands the house droppeth through. "

" A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry: but money answereth "

" 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. "