Peter Pett's Commentary on the Bible

Ecclesiastes 10:15-18

The Importance Of Listening To The Right Person (Ecclesiastes 10:15).

‘The effort of fools wearies every one of them, for he does not know how to go to the city.'

‘Them' is those who listen to him. If we seek advice from a fool, we should not be surprised if we do not get to our destination, or achieve what we are seeking to achieve. Those who seek his advice will be worn down by his explanations and will never get anywhere. For the fool never knows the way to anything important.

‘He does not know how to go to the city.' This was probably a well known saying indicating ignorance and incompetence.

Ecclesiastes 10:16

‘Woe to you, O land, when your king is a child, and your princes feast in the morning.'

It is sad for a land if it has an immature leader and his advisers make merry when they should be dealing with the country's affairs.

Ecclesiastes 10:17

‘Happy are you, O land, when your king is the son of nobles, and your princes feast at the right time, for strength and not for drunkenness.'

In contrast with the previous land this one has a nobler king and advisers who feast at the right time, and in order to strengthen themselves rather than in order to become drunk. The main point behind both is that the motives and behaviour of those in authority should be considered to ensure the right leaders are in power, those who will care for the country and not for themselves.

The Danger Of Sloth And Idleness (Ecclesiastes 10:18).

Ecclesiastes 10:18

‘By failing to act (slothfulness) the roof sinks inwards, and through idleness of the hands the house leaks.'

This is the negative of the proverb, ‘ a stitch in time, saves nine.' The failure to act in time often brings disaster, and often it is through laziness. The lazy person cannot be trusted to look after anything important. If we do not look after our property correctly and maintain it properly in time, then we cannot expect the roof to keep us dry.

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Peter Pett's Commentary on the Bible

Ecclesiastes 10:15-18

Old Testament

New Testament