This chapter resembles a portion of the Book of Proverbs, consisting entirely of rhythmical sentences giving advice, more or less direct, as to conduct. It is part of the writer’s answer to the question Ecclesiastes 2:3; Ecclesiastes 6:12 “What is good for men to do?” The thought which underlies the... [ Continue Reading ]
This verse is by its meaning so closely connected with Ecclesiastes 9:18 that the selection of it for the beginning of a new chapter seems unfortunate. APOTHECARY - Rather: a dealer in spices and perfumes (compare Exodus 30:25). The swarms of flies in the East very soon corrupt and destroy any mois... [ Continue Reading ]
The metaphor perhaps means “A wise man’s sense is in its place, ready to help and protect him; but a fool’s sense is missing when it is wanted, and so is useless.”... [ Continue Reading ]
“Way” may be understood either literally (compare Ecclesiastes 10:15), or figuratively, of the course of action which he follows. HE SAITH ... - He exposes his folly to every one he meets.... [ Continue Reading ]
IF THE SPIRIT ... - i. e., If he is angry. LEAVE NOT THY PLACE - i. e., Do not lose thy self-control and quit his presence. Gentleness on thy part will calm both thyself and him, and prevent great wrongs being committed by either.... [ Continue Reading ]
The “evil” of Ecclesiastes 10:5 is here specified as that caprice of a king by which an unworthy favorite of low origin is promoted to successive dignities, while a noble person is degraded or neglected.... [ Continue Reading ]
The figures seem to be taken from the work of building up and pulling down houses. In their general application, they recommend the man who would act wisely to be cautious when taking any step in life which involves risk. Ecclesiastes 10:8 BREAKETH AN HEDGE - Rather: “breaks through a wall.” SERP... [ Continue Reading ]
Rather: “If a serpent without enchantment (i. e., not being enchanted) bites, then there is no advantage to the charmer”: i. e., if the charmer is unwisely slack in exercising his craft, he will be bitten like other people. See Psalms 58:4 note.... [ Continue Reading ]
FULL OF WORDS - Confident talking of the future is indicated rather than mere loquacity. Compare James 4:13.... [ Continue Reading ]
The sense is: “The fool wearies himself with ineffectual attempts, he has not sufficient knowledge for the transaction of ordinary business.”... [ Continue Reading ]
Foolish rulers, by their weakness, self-indulgence and sloth, bring decay upon the state: nobleness and temperance insure prosperity: yet the subject must not rebel in word or thought against his king. Ecclesiastes 10:16 A CHILD - Rather, young. The word is applied to Rehoboam 2 Chronicles 13:7 at... [ Continue Reading ]