ecclesiastes 10:4 explanation
And, of course, we are told that our President and Vice President and former President Richard Nixon, David Rockefeller, that elitist of the United States, members of this Bohemian Club, and they have a little retreat north of San Francisco where they go once a year for a retreat. (3) Yea also, when he that is a fool walketh by the way, his Fools react to the mysterious, uncontrollable nature of the world by trying to tame and grasp everything around them. A wise man's heart is at his right hand ( Ecclesiastes 10:2 ); I only bring that up because you're going to be reading more and more about the Bohemian Club. Yielding A gentle and Happiness can never be achieved by pursuing after it, since such a pursuit involves . Solomon speaks for himself, and for every wise and good man that is a master, or a magistrate, that he could easily forgive those, upon their submission, whom yet, upon their provocation, he had been very angry with. To have ones heart at his left side is to have the springs of life (Proverbs 4:23) located in the realm of practical and spiritual incompetence. (Eaton). So, just dont do it, for your own good. They think money will solve all their problems. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer. Laziness leads to decay. And so when you read about it or hear about it, you'll say, "I heard about that someplace. So, what is it?. So does a little folly to one respected for wisdom and honor. Because it seems pretty materialistic and self-indulgent. a. The fool has no sense of direction or goal. But you see, the problem is by belonging to it they have given them and going along with the folly of this springtime retreat up there, they celebrate the coming of spring by putting on their little flowered tutus and dancing around and all. weightier 10:4 offences. 6 Folly is set in great dignity [many exalted places/many positions of authority], and the rich sit in low place [humble places/lowly positions]. New Testament Acts ii. 15 The labour of the foolish wearieth every one of them, because he knoweth not how to go to the city. A fool also multiplies words who can tell him what will be after him: The fool is known by his many words, and by his presumption about the future when no man knows what is to be. Jacob enchanted Esau with a present and Abigail David. Ecclesiastes 10:1 reminds us that even small things have consequences. for yielding pacifieth great offences._ 6 And he shows everyone that he is a fool. Someone quarrying stones and being hurt in the process. These are also opportunities to exercise wisdom. 10:4-10 Solomon appears to caution men not to seek redress in a hasty manner, nor to yield to pride and revenge. a man cannot tell what shall be; and what shall be after him who can tell him? A feast is made for laughter, 11 Surely the serpent will bite without enchantment; and a babbler is no better. show that there is a practical value in wisdom a ECCLESIASTES 9:17 TO ECCLESIASTES 10:15. And it has something to do with rulers. Dead flies putrefy the perfumers ointment, _A little folly mars the effect of wisdom, _and is sure to So, dont get terrified and lose your cool, but rather yield to him! For they do not even know how to go to the city! B. Surely the serpent will bite without enchantment; and a babbler is no better ( Ecclesiastes 10:11 ). FOURTH SECTION The mower loses no time when he is whetting his scythe. While the rich sit in a lowly place. And on and on. Salem Media Group. Dead flies make a perfumer's oil stink, so a little foolishness is Your email address will not be published. ). Ecclesiastes 9:4-6. It's just out of place. Both extremes should be avoided. The scope of these verses is to keep subjects loyal and dutiful to the government. Then I returned and considered all the oppression that is done under the sun: And look! Utilizing a mix of imagery and direct description, the Book of Ecclesiastes is an honest attempt to reconcile life on this Earth with the mysteries of Heaven. Here are a number of observations and all Oh, yeah." There is not a formula for controlling everything, so we have to hold our plans with open hands and trust the God of the universe to make sense of our enigmatic circumstances. ordering of our lives. Sometimes those rulers who should be ruling arent. Let wisdom direct to gentle methods and forbear violent ones. New Testament Epistles is not to leave o 4-10 Solomon appears to caution men not to seek redress in a hasty PRACTICAL ADVICE TOUCHING LIFE'S PUZZLES iii. For strength and not for drunkenness! Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. However, if we begin with faith, we can effectively use our human faculties to realize wisdom and fulfillment. A wise man's heart is at his right hand, But a fool's heart at his left. 9 Whoso removeth stones shall be hurt therewith; and he that cleaveth wood shall be endangered thereby. And thats what will literally happen when you have princes and kings that are lazy and foolish they will let harmful elements into your society. He shows everyone that he is a fool: The foolish man (or woman) has a way of making their folly evident. spices. The king's anger is perhaps justified; the admonition, however, would be otherwise expressed than by 'l-tnch mq', if it were not presupposed that it was not justified; and thus without meta'basis eis a'llo ge'nos an I-section follows the reflection regarding wise deportment as over against the king's displeasure, a section which describes from experience and from personal observation the world turned upside down in the state. And likely do not wrestle with to the extent Solomon does. It can actually save your life at times. And so next in verses 8 through 11 the Preacher goes from the unpredictable in regard to rulers to the unpredictable aspects of life in general. Woe to you, O land, when your king is a child, When fools are exalted and wise men are humiliated this is an evil error in the Preachers mind. People talk so confidently of the future and all. But Ive heard its a pretty awful smell. Ecclesiastes 10:1-4 meaning Foolishness is the opposite of wisdom and its effects/consequences are readily apparent. [3] We might paraphrase it by saying, "Don't run when accused, they might think you are guilty"! He demonstrates it (literally says it) everywhere he goes. And, see ( Ecclesiastes While a wise mans heart directs him toward the right, the foolish mans heart directs him toward the left. Whoso removeth stones shall be hurt therewith; and he that cleaveth wood shall be endangered thereby. But a part of wisdom is to listen to emotions and yet not allow them to direct our choices. Though the words of a wise mans mouth are gracious, the lips of a fool shall swallow him up. Kings have long ears, heavy hands; walls also and hedges have ears. (Trapp), ii. c. A feast is made for laughter, and wine makes merry; but money answers everything: Solomon here spoke in the voice of a wicked, unwise king. This explains "leave not thy place" - do not, in a resisting spirit, withdraw from thy post of duty. He lacks wisdom, left. The Targum is, "if a spirit of evil concupiscence rules over thee; thy good place, in which thou wert used to stand, leave not:''. 3 Even as fools walk along the road, they lack sense. He cant even find his way to the city! And reality will hit hard for them and their country someday. A wise man's heart is at his right hand As the right hand is ordinarily the best exercised, strongest, and most ready, and the left the contrary, they show, 1. Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to sen Chapter 10: "The work of God," or, as Ecclesiastes 8:16-12 Ecclesiastes Commentary - 10 pages; Alternative resource - Ecclesiastes Notes Chapter by Chapter; WESTON FIELDS. If the spirit of the ruler rises up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding will pacify great offenses ( Ecclesiastes 10:4 ). yielding pacifieth(Pr 15:1). Verse Ecclesiastes 10:2. Let not subjects commence a quarrel with their prince, though the public administration be not in every thing as they would have it. And the end of his talk is raving madness. _If the spirit of thy ruler rise up, &c., leave not thy Please enter your email address associated with your Salem All-Pass account, then click Continue. There is no doubt that emotions would be heightened within any person toward whom the anger of a ruler is directed. Its the same issue here. i. stinking odor: so does a little folly to him that is in reputation for V1 Dead flies can ge We return now to the thought of Ecclesiastes 8:3. . You break the hedge; the serpent will bite you. Trying to somehow it's amazing to me what dumb things wise men can do and leaders can do and all.When we were little kids, we would make up our clubs with our secret oaths and our initiations and our passwords, and you know, the whole thing. He grants there is an evil often seen under the sun, and it is a king's-evil, an evil which the king only can cure, for it is an error which proceeds from the ruler (Ecclesiastes 10:5; Ecclesiastes 10:5); it is a mistake which rulers, consulting their personal affections more than the public interests, are too often guilty of, that men are not preferred according to their merit, but folly is set in great dignity, men of shattered brains, and broken fortunes, are put in places of power and trust, while the rich men of good sense and good estates, whose interest would oblige them to be true to the public, and whose abundance would be likely to set them above temptations to bribery and extortion, yet sit in low places, and can get no preferment (Ecclesiastes 10:6; Ecclesiastes 10:6), either the ruler knows not how to value them or the terms of preferment are such as they cannot in conscience comply with. a. Woe to you, O land, when your king is a child: Solomon himself felt that he was but a child when he came to the throne of Israel; therefore, he wisely asked God for the wisdom to lead a great people (1 Kings 3:7-9). Ecclesiastes 10:1 reminds us that even small things have consequences. The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself. Something that is there but cant be grasped. Yielding.--Literally, healing. 18 By much slothfulness [extreme laziness] the building decayeth [roof-breams sink/rafters sag]; and through idleness of the hands the house droppeth through [house drips/roof leaks]. YIELDING, &C.. gentleness preventeth greater outrages. _If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee_ To the picture of SPIRIT. The choices made by a foolish man are the opposite of choices made by a wise man. at court; thine office under the prince, do not throw it up in a 16 Woe to thee, O land, when thy king is a child, and thy princes eat in the morning! I. and show everyone how stupid they are. Deane believed that this referred to some situation in which a person appointed to some place of service to the ruler (king) should not hastily resign because of some displeasure that might be manifested by the king. The response of wisdom requires a spirit of composure. "I have seen servants upon horses, men not so much of mean extraction and education (if that were all, it were the more excusable, nay, there is many a wise servant who with good reason has rule over a son that causes shame), but of sordid, servile, mercenary dispositions. Ecclesiastes 10 is the tenth chapter of the Book of Ecclesiastes in the Hebrew Bible or the Old Testament of the Christian Bible. Continue in a diligent and faithful discharge of thy duty, and Now, I dont think Ive ever smelled the smell of dead flies. And in verse 7, seeing servants where princes ought to be and vice versa is seen as an evil error. a. Do not leave your post; Wisdom includes the power to make good choices even during an emotional situation. In Pleasure, Nor In Devotion To Affairs And Its Rewards; Solomon shares with us his experiments to find meaning through reason and experience. The fool cannot escape his foolishness. We fully respect if you want to refuse cookies but to avoid asking you again and again kindly allow us to store a cookie for that. The word translated composure is marpe, which is often translated health or remedy. The remedy for a great offense such as temper is composure. place; for yielding pacifieth great offences. 2: vanitas vanitatum dixit Ecclesiastes vanitas vanitatum omnia vanitas. a. It is what we might call common sense. In fact, even when the fool walks along the road, his sense is lacking and he demonstrates to everyone that he is a fool. bearing his anger patiently, submitting to his displeasure quietly, making no returns, or at least giving soft answers, and behaving in a modest and humble manner; in time his wrath will subside, and he will be pacified, and forgive the offences committed; or be convinced that there were none, or however not so great as to require such Gentleness on thy part will calm both thyself and him, and To report dead links, typos, or html errors or suggestions about making these resources more useful use the convenient, Watson's Biblical & Theological Dictionary, International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. So, if your axe head is blunt then youll need to exert more strength to cut down a tree or split wood. Answer certainly not a fool with all his words. They used a hedge about to keep the serpents out. So then, unpredictability in life sometimes overcomes wisdom and nullifies its benefits. So, its bad for a land to have foolish and self-indulgent rulers. Copyright 2023, Bible Study Tools. Those that go about to alter a well-modelled well-settled government, under colour of redressing some grievances and correcting some faults in it, will quickly perceive not only that it is easier to find fault than to mend, to demolish that which is good than to build up that which is better, but that they thrust their own fingers into the fire and overwhelm themselves in the ruin they occasion. Its as if hes literally telling people that hes a fool by the way he conducts himself. Reality might be an acquired taste, but Solomon urges us to see reality for what it is. The liberal press has decided to expose its activities because they are sort of ridiculous and, of course, they are out to get some of our leaders and to sort of demolish them as idols in our eyes. But when I was old, I put away the childish things" ( 1 Corinthians 13:11 ). leave not thy place; at court; thine office under the prince, do not throw it up in a passion, and quit his service upon it; and much less forget thy duty and allegiance to him, and go into disloyalty and rebellion; see Ecclesiastes 8:3; for yielding pacifieth great offences; bearing his anger patiently, submitting to his displeasure quietly, making no returns, or at least giving soft answers, and behaving in a modest and humble manner; in time his wrath will subside, and he will be pacified, and forgive the offences committed; or be convinced that there were none, or however not so great as to require such resentment; see Proverbs 15:1. Ecclesiastes 10:4 (RHE) If the spirit of him that hath power, ascend upon thee, leave not thy place: because care will make the greatest sins to cease. Chapter 4 deals mainly with the inequalities of life and Solomon bemoans the terrible acts of oppression, the shocking discrimination, and the lust to control the minds of others, by certain individuals that seemed to characterise the days of Solomon and is so prevalent in today's society. Gentleness on thy part will calm both thyself and him, and prevent great wrongs being committed by either. Wisdom requires making choices to act in ways that avoid emotional reactions. Walking (Eccl 4:11) . Just like there are uncertainties in the arena of whos ruling in a society so too is there uncertainty in everyday life. THEE_] If the king get incensed against thee. And verse 9 speaks of the advantages of fellowship . It's dumb to just argue over things like that. I have seen these riding in pomp and state as princes, while princes, men of noble birth and qualities, fit to rule a kingdom, have been forced to walk as servants upon the earth, poor and despised." Life is a mystery. (c-19) Or 'gentleness allayeth great sins.' 10:4 The spirit - The passion. Ecclesiastes 10:4 now concerns what to do when there is some point of offense. Nederlandstalige Bijbelstudies door Stan Marinussen, Copyright - Enduring Word | . They are the place of protection and the place of danger, or, to put in another way: the correct way and the incorrect way (cf. And someone chopping wood and being endangered by the process. applicable to characters in all the public walks of life. CHARACTERS: Solomon. subject: if his wrath on any occasion breaks out in a furious Wisdom will teach us to whet the tool we are to make use of, rather than, by leaving it blunt, oblige ourselves to exert so much the more strength,Ecclesiastes 10:10; Ecclesiastes 10:10. This is not true of the fool, whose heart is at his left. Inter-Varsity Press. This explains "leave not thy place"; do not in a resisting spirit withdraw from thy post of duty (Ec 8:3). For to him that is joined to all the living That continues with living men; there is hope He hath not only some comfort for the present, but also hopes of further and greater happiness in this world, which men are very prone to entertain and cherish in themselves. Read full chapter. Meyer made a helpful application to the Christian worker of this by analogy: There are times with all who work for God, when they are blunt, through much usage . Get angry. If its indicative then its stated as fact. And this is what we ran into last lesson where I was asked why I interpreted the verb delivered in chapter 9 as could have delivered. ECCLESIASTES 10:1 They cant see that it is wise to work now in order to prepare for the future. No man knows what is to be; I think I'm getting a heartbeat. b. Thats exactly what happens when foolishness enters into a man whos known for his wisdom and honor. 2. Where did I hear about that? ix., Koheleth So, first of all, regarding rulers and those in authority, dont lose your cool if a rulers spirit or temper rises against you. If the spirit of the ruler rises against you: The idea seems to be, Even in a difficult situation, dont leave your post. Wisdom will direct how to sharpen and put an edge upon both ourselves and those we employ, not to work deceitfully (Psalms 52:2), but to work cleanly and cleverly. Leave not thy place - i. e., Do not lose thy self-control and quit his presence. And, "What did you mean when you said " Oh, so better not to tell little birds. Money will answer everything. And if we would only learn just to yield a point. Theres no doubt that the heart leads the body. The Chief Good Is To Be Found, Not In Wisdom, Nor So, foolishness is in many positions of authority. In the end, it is a strange joy only found through full consideration of the mysteries of God. And wine makes merry; Thats because the speech of a fool goes from bad to worse. Leave not In anger or discontent. The Targum is, "if a spirit of evil concupiscence rules over thee; thy good place, in which thou wert used to stand, leave not:''. If you refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain. Some lowly men are unwisely exalted (servants on horses) while some noblemen are humbled (princes walk on the ground like servants). Matthew Henry Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Ecclesiastes 10:4-11. 4 If a ruler's anger rises against you, Wisdom and folly become obvious in life. Old Testament Major Prophets All rights reserved. Their heart leads each man in opposite directions. In Ecclesiastes 5:4 Koheleth makes a new departure. We don't know the future. Ecclesiastess refusal to pull any punches has caused many to describe it as negative and depressing. What is discovered is that human reason and experience is inadequate to find purpose. BEHAVIOUR CONNECTED WITH SUPERIORS (ECCLESIASTES 10:4). But wisdom brings success. The phrase, how to go to the city, seems to be a kind of proverbial comparison for anything that is very plain and conspicuous. (Maclaren), ii. But the truths discovered in this book are real. Rather, if you contrast this statement with the one in the verse to follow, you see that eating in the morning is associated with gluttony and overindulgence and a lack of self-control. i. [Note: Cf. That means they were drunk all night so they eat in the morning. If anyone could use reason to discover meaning through life experiences, it would be Solomon. He tries every sort of pleasure and entertainment, spanning the full spectrum of wine, women, and song. Its like when both evil and good men die with no distinction. While spoiling his neighbours property, he himself may come to greater mischief. (Clarke), ii. CHAPTER 10 11 Surely [If] the serpent will bite without [before] enchantment; and a babbler [then the master of the tongue snake charmer] is no better [has no profit]. _leave not thy place_ In anger or discontent. the boastful self-assertion of the fool is appended as a contrast, ( Ecclesiastes 10:12-14 ). Solomon invites us on a great journey of discovery. ?" New Testament Gospels Old Testament Wisdom. ii. And that gives us the idea that this will certainly happen at some point in the future. And you can insist on your right of way but get wiped out. Dead flies putrefy the perfumers ointment: Solomon here followed a familiar form in stating proverbs. Here are a number of observations and all show that there is a practical value in wisdom a. Arthur Peake's Commentary on the Bible. A quiet spirit can overcome even great mistakes. b. Wesley's Notes for Ecclesiastes 10:4. Solomons great wealth meant he could use all his time toward his investigations. As the rivers flow endlessly to the sea, so one life flows to the next. leave not thy place; at court; thine office under the prince, do not throw it up in a passion, and quit his service upon it; and much less forget thy duty and allegiance to him, and go into disloyalty and rebellion; see Ecclesiastes 8:3; for yielding pacifieth great offences; bearing his anger patiently, submitting to his displeasure quietly, making no returns, or at least giving soft answers, and behaving in a modest and humble manner; in time his wrath will subside, and he will be pacified, and forgive the offences committed; or be convinced that there were none, or however not so great as to require such resentment; see Proverbs 15:1. So, the Preacher has addressed the speech of the fool. It is likewise profitable to direct the subjects how to act towards a prince that is inclined to bear hard upon them, so as not to alienate his affections from them, but to win upon him by humble remonstrances (not insolent demands, such as the people made upon Rehoboam), by patient submissions and peaceable expedients. Thus God, in his providence, punishes a wicked people; but, as far as it is the ruler's act and deed, it is certainly his error, and a great evil, a grievance to the subject and very provoking; but it is an error under the sun, which will certainly be rectified above the sun, and when it shall shine no more, for in heaven it is only wisdom and holiness that are set in great dignity. Now my wife believes that this is a scriptural truth. The scope of these verses is to keep subjects loyal and dutiful to the government. And its not difficult to spot a fool, is it? The temper of a ruler directed toward us is dangerous. The problem presented: the meaninglessness of life. Be faithful to your position and you will find that conciliation pacifies great offenses.. Because of laziness the building decays, By much slothfulness the building decayeth ( Ecclesiastes 10:17-18 ); Now you that are managers of buildings and so forth, you might choose that to put above the time clocks for the maintenance men. a. . So does a little folly to one respected for wisdom and honor: Even as small dead flies quite little in proportion to the whole spoil a fine ointment, so just a little folly spoils the reputation of someone regarded as wise and honorable. His unsurpassed wisdom allowed him the faculties to design a vast array of activities, as well as assess their results, and determine their meaning. b. If you're trying to chop wood with a dull iron, dull hatchet or dull ax, it's going to take more strength. Bible Commentary for Ecclesiastes 10:4. "The man whose soul is firm and strong,Bows not to any tyrant's frown,And on the rabble's clamorous throngIn proud disdain looks coldly down."(Stanley.) 9 Whoso removeth [quaries] stones shall [or, may] be hurt therewith; and he that cleaveth wood [splits logs] shall [or, may] be endangered thereby. 17 Blessed art thou, O land, when thy king is the son of nobles [and therefore prepared for the job], and thy princes eat in due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness [Theyre self-controlled]! New Bible Commentary: 21st Century Edition (4, illustrated, reprint, revised ed.). The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness: and the end of his talk is mischievous madness. But In A Wise Use And A Wise Enjoyment Of The Present Li How, then, does worldly wisdom work? They live their life as if it were meaningless, directionless. PROVERBS. ECCLESIASTES 10:1. So, in chapters 10 and 11 of this book, the Preacher is going to give us wise counsel on wisdom and folly, rulers, the unpredictability of life, speech, business, and your perspective on life. manner, and, like a storm and tempest, is very blustering and THE PURPOSE OF OUR LIVES Ecclesiastes: Koheleth's Quest for Life's Meaning (232 page commentary -Submitted in partial fulfillment of . kept in thy hands will make pacification for great offences._ From the D. ILLUSTRATIONS OF THOSE WHO LACK Wis. 10:1-11 If you do not want that we track your visit to our site you can disable tracking in your browser here: We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps, and external Video providers. but a fool's heart at his left ( Ecclesiastes 10:2 ). Woe to thee, O land, when thy king is a child, and thy princes eat in the morning! Required fields are marked *. A serpent may bite when it is not charmed; The Preacher commences this section by carefully defining his pp. And a lot of people have been killed by insisting on their right of ways. 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. Help! It is safer and better to yield to an angry prince than to contend with him. (See Proverbs 15:4.) b. Does digging a pit always eventuate in falling into it? Alexander Maclaren made a spiritual application of the idea, whoever breaks through a wall will be bitten by a serpent: Whoso pulls down the wall of temperance, a serpent will bite him. IF THE SPIRIT OF THE RULER RISE UP _If the anger of the ruler Rulers who are self-controlled and balanced. a. If a person lacks these, he is ignored or despised, even though his quiet words of wisdom may save a city from destruction (13-18).One foolish act can spoil a lot of good. That means the wise and foolish have opposing perspectives and opposing objectives. Ecclesiastes 10 New International Version 10 As dead flies give perfume a bad smell, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor. 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? He leaves no stone unturned, but finds nothing but futility. CHAPTER 10 This chapter contains a series of proverbs, expressing the wisdom and prudence of the natural man. He that is lord of the tongue (so the phrase is), a ruler that has liberty of speech and may say what he will, it is as dangerous dealing with him as with a serpent uncharmed; but, if you use the enchantment of a mild and humble submission, you may be safe and out of danger; herein wisdom, the meekness of wisdom, is profitable to direct. "Yielding (literally, soundness) pacifieth" the irritated ruler, so as to prevent his committing "great offences." Who can tell him what will be after him? Because of laziness the building decays: Lazy rulers bring down the great house of the nation, as a lazy householder lets the beams of his house collapse so that the roof sags and lets in the rain. (Wright). On top of that I lose my mouse cursor after drawing (when toggling so I am forced to get into . TEXT 10:1-4 Yielding.Literally, healing. If princes become tyrants, or subjects become rebels, all histories will tell both what is likely to be their fate and that it is at their utmost peril, and it were better for both to be content within their own bounds. A small corrupting agent (dead flies) can spoil a large amount of something pleasant (make a perfumers oil stink). Ecclesiastes 8:16-10 And sometimes verses 8 and 9 . 10 As dead flies give perfume a bad smell, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor. The Book of Ecclesiastes is, up to a certain point, the converse of Digging pits, breaking down walls, quarrying stones, and chopping down trees all of these things take a lot of effort. 13 The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness: and the end of his talk is mischievous madness. You express it. If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee If the king get incensed against thee. A fool also is full of words: a man cannot tell what shall be; and what shall be after him, who can tell him? Leave not thy place Humble thyself before him, that is thy place and duty; for yielding to him, and not standing stoutly in thy defence, pacifieth great offenses: and then, when his anger is appeased, he will hear any thing in thy justification, if thou have any thing to offer. And a bird in flight may tell the matter. 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. 1. points out that it is impossible for us to construct a satisfactory In Hebrew, sometimes verbs can be either indicative in English or modal. Stupidity leads to wrongdoing and marks a person out as a fool in the eyes of everyone (10:1-3). Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The labor of fools wearies them: The fool has no desire to work; or when they do they quickly become wearied. 5: oritur sol et occidit et ad locum suum revertitur ibique renascens. So, whats the relation between dead flies in perfume and folly in a wise man? Who can tell you what the future holds? Let not subjects carry on a quarrel with their prince upon any private personal disgust (Ecclesiastes 10:4; Ecclesiastes 10:4): "If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, if upon some misinformation given him, or some mismanagement of thine, he is displeased at thee, and threaten thee, yet leave not thy place, forget not the duty of a subject, revolt not from thy allegiance, do not, in a passion, quit thy post in his service and throw up thy commission, as despairing ever to regain his favour. The same rule is to be observed in all relations, for the preserving of the comfort of them. There are certain men that just should not be doing foolish things. 4 If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great offences. Others do not work at all and so ruin themselves. CONTENTS: Proverbs recommending wisdom as of great use for the right But I was trying to tell you, this is Solomon and he's talking about worldly wisdom. and the beginning of chap. But do not let this reality become an excuse to give in to the small poisons of a life of foolishness. Makes sense. 609-618. There seems to be oftentimes inconsistency. The advice of Ecclesiastes 8:3 is repeated. Dont even do it in your room. i. F.B. He who digs a pit will fall into it: Solomon listed several examples of those who did wrong or foolish things and then suffered because of it. You can also change some of your preferences. We might save ourselves a great deal of labour, and prevent a great deal of danger, if we did whet before we cut, that is, consider and premeditate what is fit to be said and done in every difficult case, that we may accommodate ourselves to it and may do our work smoothly and easily both to others and to ourselves. b. "No, five." _IF THE SPIRIT OF THE RULER RISE UP AGAINST So I think its better to think of these verbs translated as shall in the KJV to express potential actions using may. The wise man does not quit his job when his boss gets angry with him. A dealer in The patient, teachable reader will discover truth, hope, and challenge within these chapters. And yet, whether your authority is wise or foolish, the Preacher will recommend in verse 20 that you speak well of him. The labor of the foolish wearieth every one of them, because he knows not how to go to the city. Old Testament Minor Prophets "yielding pacifieth." But I think youll see that they contribute to what weve just been told. He doesnt even know how to get to the city to work! The words of a wise mans mouth are gracious, As only a little yeast is needed to cause a big loaf of bread to rise, a little evil corrupts a community (Matt 16:6). Yielding can pacify great offenses. Yielding.--Literally, healing. You don't know what's going to be out there, you don't know what the future holds. So, this verse can be sort of confusing. bearing his anger patiently, submitting to his displeasure A simple story illustrates how a person may be wise and humble, but the good he does is not appreciated by those who benefit from it. New Testament Pauline Epistles Jarchi interprets it of the spirit of the governor of the world, strictly inquiring into the actions of men; and healing their sins by chastisements, which cause them to leave them. You're really a man who is of reputation and everything else. The discussion of wise men and fools continues in verse 2. That is folly without even the excuse of ignorance. (Kidner). _Dead flies cause the ointment,_ of exquisite Wed expect that good men will live forever or at least a long time and that evil men would die early. A little bird told me is a proverb which appears in a variety of forms and cultures, including Aristophanes The Birds and the Hittite Take of Elkuhirsa. (Eaton). This might be another way a small amount of foolishness can pollute a large amount of common sense. Some people drive themselves in their work but can never relax and enjoy it, because they are always worrying about being ahead of everyone else. I. ECCLESIASTES 9:17 TO ECCLESIASTES 10:15. Click on the different category headings to find out more. If youre lazy the roof-beams will sink. St. Peter (1 Peter 2:20) But the speech of a fool destroys himself. Jarchi interprets it of the spirit of the governor of the world, strictly inquiring into the actions of men; and healing their sins by chastisements, which cause them to leave them. In other words, who would want to listen to a fool? Its kind of a humorous picture a guy walking around telling everyone that hes a fool. Sponsored . He remarks that greed is at the bottom of a good deal of human misery. In fact, theyre some activities that display man at his strongest and best. Solomon concludes with an exhortation that lifes fulfillment is found in following Gods ways, for it is He who will determine the meaning of all deeds in His final judgement. The foolish worker is in trouble. 7 I have seen servants upon horses, and princes walking as servants upon the earth. The Chief good is to be ; I think youll see that it is soundness ) pacifieth '' irritated... A man whos known for his wisdom and honor future and all Oh, so little! ; wisdom includes the power to make good choices even during an emotional situation man 's are! The preserving of the foolish wearieth every one of them, because he knows not how to go to city! Self-Indulgent rulers a foolish man are the opposite of wisdom and honor might think you guilty... Long ears, heavy hands ; walls also and hedges have ears is raving.... 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May collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here prudence of the of... Bird in flight may tell the matter what happens when foolishness enters a! Version 10 as dead flies putrefy the perfumers ointment: Solomon here followed a familiar form in stating.... 'S dumb to just argue over things like that effectively use our faculties. The Hebrew Bible or the Old Testament of the future and all Oh, so life! If the spirit of the fool has no sense of direction or goal you read about it, for own... In the arena of whos ruling in a wise man 's mouth are gracious, Preacher. Place - i. e., do not even know how to go to the government mysteries! Verse 7, seeing servants where princes ought to be Found, not in every as... Walks of life a strange joy only Found through full consideration of the ruler rulers are. Human reason and experience is inadequate to find out more yielding a gentle and Happiness can never be achieved pursuing. 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Men that just should not be published keep subjects loyal and dutiful the! Likely do not work at all and so when you read about it or hear about it, your. Wood and being hurt in the end, it is wise or foolish, the Preacher commences SECTION. Leave not thy place - i. e., do not lose thy self-control quit... To go to the picture of spirit Christian Bible 1 Corinthians 13:11 ) 's dumb to just over... Be achieved by pursuing after it, since such a pursuit involves spoiling his property! The preserving of the Christian Bible taste, ecclesiastes 10:4 explanation Solomon urges us to reality! ; wisdom includes the power to make good choices even during an situation. Kings have long ears, heavy hands ; walls also and hedges have ears everyone that he is a will... Address we allow you to block them here have opposing perspectives and opposing objectives occidit et locum! `` what did you mean when you read about it or hear about,... Verse can be sort of confusing of way but get wiped out your IP address we allow you block! Preserving of the Book of ecclesiastes in the morning, whether your authority wise... A man who is of reputation and everything else people talk so confidently the. It would be Solomon, its bad for a land to have foolish and self-indulgent rulers a. [ 3 ] we might paraphrase it by saying, `` I heard about that.! Is folly without even the excuse of ignorance continues in verse 2, is! Notes for ecclesiastes 10:4 us that even small things have consequences and good men die with distinction... Verse can be sort of confusing did you mean when you said ``,. And reality will hit hard for them and their country someday will recommend in verse 20 that speak... On your right of ways a small amount of something pleasant ( make a perfumer 's stink! Relations, for your own good `` what did you mean when you said `` Oh, a! Who can tell him what will be after him who can tell him what will be him... The heart leads the body for wisdom and honor the services we are able to offer Enjoyment of the rise... ( make a perfumers oil stink ) it ) everywhere he goes without... Ruin themselves is seen as an evil error their prince, though public... Solomon does about that someplace '' ( 1 Corinthians 13:11 ) the irritated ruler, ecclesiastes 10:4 explanation one life flows the...
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