CONTENTS The Preacher is still prosecuting his sermon through this Chapter; but folding up many important sayings within short sentences. Ecclesiastes 10:1 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... [ Continue Reading ]
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 everyone that he is a fool. (4) If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great... [ Continue Reading ]
I have seen servants upon horses, and princes walking as servants upon the earth. There is no doubt great inequality in common life: and not unfrequently, men that are princes in understanding, may be constrained to walk in menial offices, while others weak in intellect, ride in high places. But the... [ Continue Reading ]
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 wi... [ Continue Reading ]
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! Similar observations to what were made in the preceding verses, will be fou... [ Continue Reading ]
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... [ Continue Reading ]
REFLECTIONS READER! the whole of this Chapter leads to very many important reflections, and if followed up to the source from whence all blessings flow, and in which all terminate; we shall find that the Preacher, from the emptiness of creatures, is here setting forth the fulness of the Creator; and... [ Continue Reading ]