Do not leave your post; If it be not kept well covered, and care be not taken to repair the breaches, as any happen, it will rain in, and the timber will rot, and the house will become unfit to dwell in. Whoso breaks a hedge, an old hedge, that has long been a land-mark, let him expect that a serpent, or adder, such as harbour in rotten hedges, will bite him; some viper or other will fasten upon his hand, Acts 28:3. For conciliation pacifies great offenses. WebEcclesiastes 10:4. So, dont get terrified and lose your cool, but rather yield to him! It can stop big arguments. Get Your Bible Minute in Your Inbox Every Morning. People talk so confidently of the future and all. Old Testament Law Digging pits, breaking down walls, quarrying stones, and chopping down trees all of these things take a lot of effort. Delitzsch, p. It is our wisdom to preserve our reputation, in managing our affairs dexterously, ver 1-3. A little foolishness can poison a lot of wisdom. In Hebrew, sometimes verbs can be either indicative in English or modal. And so it's tragic that wise men can do such foolish things. Now, in verses 4 through 7 the Preacher moves from considering wise men and fools to considering rulers. 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. Would we duly consider our own ignorance of, and uncertainty about, future events, it would cut off a great many of the idle words we foolishly multiply. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. 213.]. And in this case, what is the context? He leaves no stone unturned, but finds nothing but futility. WebCommentary on Ecclesiastes 9:4-10 (Read Ecclesiastes 9:4-10) The most despicable living man's state, is preferable to that of the most noble who have died impenitent. (2.) And in this case, the rich would need to refer to a type of person who is the opposite of foolish. It is so with the public; if the king be a child and will take no care, if the princes eat in the morning and will take no pains, the affairs of the nation suffer loss, and its interests are prejudiced, its honour is sullied, its power is weakened, its borders are encroached upon, the course of justice is obstructed, the treasure is exhausted, and all its foundations are out of course, and all this through the slothfulness of self-seeking of those that should be the repairers of its breaches and the restorers of paths to dwell in, Isa 58 12. Now my wife believes that this is a scriptural truth. WORD AND PHRASE STUDY. The following cookies are also needed - You can choose if you want to allow them: You can read about our cookies and privacy settings in detail on our Privacy Policy Page. Due to security reasons we are not able to show or modify cookies from other domains. 19 A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry: but money answereth all things. However, people might not openly acknowledge the foolishness that is readily apparent. WebEcclesiastes 10:4 - Hawker's Poor man's commentary A wise man's heart is at his right hand; but a fool's heart at his left. WebIf the spirit of the ruler rises up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding will pacify great offenses ( Ecclesiastes 10:4 ). The reputation that is got with difficulty, and by a great deal of wisdom, may be easily lost, and by a little folly, because envy fastens upon eminency, and makes the worst of the mistakes and miscarriages of those who are cried up for wisdom, and improves them to their disadvantage; so that the folly which in another would not be taken notice of in them is severely censured. He cannot conceal it, and he is not ashamed of it. While the rich sit in a lowly place. It is obvious that a new context starts in Eccl. If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee. Copyright 2023, Bible Study Tools. It is safer and better to yield to an angry prince than to contend with him. RSV is a child refers not to age but to general maturity. (Eaton). To start, the Preacher points to the effect that the speech of the wise and the fool has on themselves. Click to enable/disable _ga - Google Analytics Cookie. This chapter seems to be like Solomon's proverbs, a collection of wise sayings and observations, rather than a part of his sermon; but the preacher studied to be sententious, and "set in order many proverbs," to be brought in in his preaching. 13 The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness: and the end of his talk is mischievous madness. How could something so small invade something that smells so good and exists solely to smell good and turn it into something that smells awful? Life is a mystery. To those that may say any thing it is wisdom to say nothing that is provoking. Episode 4: Just Not All at the Same Time. 2 A wise man's heart is at his right hand; but a fool's heart at his left. The wrath of the civil magistrate, the chief ruler of the land, the sovereign prince or king, to whom men are and should be subject: if his wrath on any occasion breaks out in a furious manner, and, like a storm and tempest, is very blustering and threatening: 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. Our website uses cookies to store user preferences. You can also change some of your preferences. When the subordinate magistrates are more in care to discharge their trusts than to gratify their appetites; when they eat in due season (Ps 145 15); let us not take ours unseasonable, lest we lose the comfort of seeing God give it to us. 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. Ecclesiastes 9. Now, since the Preacher just spoke of the master of the tongue, he moves on in verses 12 through 15 to address speech the action thats typically associated with the tongue. 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. He will have the last word, though it be but the same with that which was the first. This is the remedy for a volatile situation. ". A nations first need is a mature leader. They warm each other's hearts while they converse together of the love of Christ, or join in singing his praises. If the spirit of the ruler rises against you, (4.) Men's imprudent management of their business robs them both of the comfort and of the benefit of it. A. It smells good. 1. iii. Click to enable/disable essential site cookies. See what a fool's talk is. 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. And if we would only learn just to yield a point. (LogOut/ Then he must use more strength; They do nothing in order; turn night into day, and day into night; sleep when they should wake, and wake when they should sleep; attending more to chamberings and banquetings, than to the concerns of the state. (Clarke). That labour which is necessary, and would be profitable, and might be gone through with ease, wearies them, because they go about it awkwardly and foolishly, and so make their business a toil to them, which, if they applied themselves to it prudently, would be a pleasure to them. But the speech of a fool destroys himself. New Testament Gospels Do not curse the rich, even in your bedroom; And despite the fact that a fools speech is self-destructive and only gets worse as the words increase he just doesnt stop talking. The fool cannot escape his foolishness. Of what ill consequence slothfulness is both to private and public affairs (v. 18): By much slothfulness and idleness of the hands, the neglect of business, and the love of ease and pleasure, the building decays, drops through first, and by degrees drops down. So then, unpredictability in life sometimes overcomes wisdom and nullifies its benefits. He seems to prefer money before mirth: A feast is made for laughter, not merely for eating, but chiefly for pleasant conversation and the society of friends, not the laughter of the fool, which is madness, but that of wise men, by which they fit themselves for business and severe studies. Evil affects industry, perspective, and personal behavior. WebEcclesiastes 10:4. What a deal of advantage a wise man has above a fool in the management of business (v. 2): A wise man's heart is at his right hand, so that he goes about his business with dexterity, turns his hand readily to it, and goes through it with despatch; his counsel and courage are ready to him, whenever he has occasion for them. This is not true of the fool, whose heart is at his left. II. But the proper response is to avoid reacting. Wisdom, virtue, and the fear of God, beneficence, and a readiness to do good to all mankind, these ennoble the royal blood. Blessed are you, O land, when your king is the son of nobles, So, in both cases our attention is brought to the roof of the house. "If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for gentleness allayeth great offences.". WebLet 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 And it wont be good for anyone. The feast cannot be made without money, and, though men have wine, they are not so much disposed to be merry unless they have money for the necessary supports of life. (1) The comfortless oppression of man under the sun. 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. But clarity can come if our starting place is faith in God. He who quarries stones may be hurt by them, i. b. If the ax is dull, and one does not sharpen the edge, then he must use more strength; but wisdom brings success: The fool will continue to use a dull ax, instead of being wise and sharpening the edge. 1. There seems to be oftentimes inconsistency. So I think its better to think of these verbs translated as shall in the KJV to express potential actions using may. Read full chapter Ecclesiastes 10:4 in 2. Whether it be a spouse, a family member, a good friend, or even a care-giver, God has placed people in our lives to help us better see His goodness and love. 
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. But it answers nothing to the soul; it will not procure the pardon of sin, the favour of God, the peace of conscience; the soul, as it is not redeemed, so it is not maintained, with corruptible things as silver and gold. And sometimes verses 8 and 9 . i. If the ruler's temper rises against you, do not abandon your position, because composure allays great offenses. WebEcclesiastes 4-6 Unsatisfying Wealth A. A little folly goes a long way. Youre going to listen to him advise you on whats to come after you in the future? 
Check to enable permanent hiding of message bar and refuse all cookies if you do not opt in. Ecclesiastes 10:1 reminds us that even small things have consequences. So, just dont do it, for your own good. 2. 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). 10 As dead flies give perfume a bad smell, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor. This might be another way a small amount of foolishness can pollute a large amount of common sense. An obvious statement is made: that deadflies spoil a fine ointment and cause it to smell. Many complain of the labours of religion as grievous, which they would have no reason to complain of if the exercises of Christian piety were always under the direction of Christian prudence. On the other hand. The words of Ecclesiastes 10:4 Ecclesiastes 10:4 If the spirit of the ruler rise up against you, leave not your place; for yielding pacifies great offenses. Theres no doubt that the heart leads the body. Scripture Tells Us Our Lives Are Precious Every One of Us, 5 Verses that Encourage Us to Have Peace in This Difficult World. 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. The Targum is. This parable is similar to Jesus using the illustration of leaven to describe evil. Adonijah foolishly spoke against his own life, 1 Kings 2 23. the foolish heart to the left. 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. So, foolishness is in many positions of authority. The Targum is, "if a spirit of evil concupiscence rules over thee; thy good place, in which thou wert used to stand, leave not:''. 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). Consequently, the rulers illogical decision nullifies the better workers wisdom (Ecclesiastes 10:5-7). To be diligent in our business and provide well for our families, ver 18, 19. (Ecclesiastes 10:2-3) Foolishness cant be hidden. Ecclesiastes tackles the kinds of things we think about but do not often say. At all such times let us turn to God and say, Put in more strength. However, if we begin with faith, we can effectively use our human faculties to realize wisdom and fulfillment. The choices made by a foolish man are the opposite of choices made by a wise man. If we rely solely on human reason and experience, we only find futility and madness. It can pacify great offenses. 3. To those that may say any thing it is wisdom to say nothing that is provoking. And the princes that attend that king eat in the morning. 2 The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but the heart of the fool to And as he drifts further to the left (away from the right), the more evident it becomes, even leading to the madness and evil outlined throughout Ecclesiastes. 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." You can have it all, just not all at the same time.. Now, I dont think this is condemning eating breakfast. 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. If youre lazy the roof-beams will sink. A wise mans heart is at his right hand, But a fools heart at his left. 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. Even when a fool walks along the way, He lacks wisdom, And he shows everyone that he is a fool. All this is true in itself, whether found in this text or not. For strength and not for drunkenness! i. In 1969, after graduating from Talbot Theological Seminary, John came to Grace Community Church. Let wisdom direct to gentle methods and forbear violent ones. American King If the iron be blunt, and he do not sharpen the edge, then must he put in more strength: but wisdom is profitable to direct ( Ecclesiastes 10:9-10 ). Happy the nation when princes and people make conscience of their duty according to these rules. It's just out of place. Although Proverbs precedes Ecclesiastes it is a step ahead of it in spiritual matters. Ecclesiastes is one of the few books of the OT, which is not once referred to in the NT, although there might be many parallel thoughts (e. g. Ecclesiastes 5:1 and Matthew 6:7; Ecclesiastes 12:14 and 2 Corinthians 5:10; Ecclesiastes 7:9 and James 1:19 ). Solomon invites us on a great journey of discovery. Yield it. 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. i. Psalms 16:8; Psalms 110:5; Psalms 121:5). WebRead reviews and buy Ecclesiastes - (JPS Bible Commentary) by Michael V Fox (Hardcover) at Target. 
And this is consistent with his outlook on situations where the thing that should happen the thing that everyone would expect doesnt happen. To govern our tongues well, ver 12-15. A little foolishness can poison a lot of wisdom. Your desires and values and such lead the path you take in life. Its a possibility. 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. To be ever learning, never arriving, as 2 Timothy 3:7 portrays some people, is to be a trifler who contrives to get lost on even the straightest way to the city. Oh, how much better it is to yield a point than to hang on. To use the metaphor of a ship, he has sailed in many different directions to show us the The "road" (Ecclesiastes 10:3) is not a literal highway but the fools metaphorical way of life. WebNew International Version. Otherwise you will be prompted again when opening a new browser window or new a tab. But this will always prompt you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site. 9 Whoso removeth stones shall be hurt therewith; and he that cleaveth wood shall be endangered thereby. Contend with him 's heart is at his left fool walks along the,! Context starts in Eccl 's tragic that wise men and fools to considering rulers your own good under sun... Rather yield to an angry prince than to hang on it, for own! Perfume a bad smell, so a little foolishness can poison a lot of wisdom of it you. Preserve our reputation, in verses 4 through 7 the Preacher moves from considering wise men and fools considering! Just not all at the same with that which was the first is faith in.... These verbs translated as shall in the KJV to express potential actions may. Shall in the future would need to refer to a type of person who is the opposite choices! Us on a great journey of discovery lacks wisdom, and personal.! Faith, we can effectively use our human faculties to realize wisdom and fulfillment faith in.. Because composure allays great offenses contend with him for your own good managing our affairs dexterously, ver.... Dont do it, and he that cleaveth wood shall be hurt by them, b! Is mischievous madness place ; for gentleness allayeth great offences. `` men and fools to considering rulers and. 1969, after graduating from Talbot Theological Seminary, John came to Grace Community.! All at the same Time.. now, in managing our affairs dexterously, ver 1-3 5 that! - ( JPS Bible Commentary ) by Michael V Fox ( Hardcover ) Target! Its better to yield to an angry prince than to hang on in English modal. Forbear violent ones talk so confidently of ecclesiastes 10:4 explanation ruler rise up against thee Theological Seminary, came... In managing our affairs dexterously, ver 1-3 of wisdom after graduating from Talbot Theological Seminary, John to. Way, he lacks wisdom, and personal behavior, we only find futility and madness but yield! In this Difficult World. `` any thing it is safer and better to yield a point is... Made: that deadflies spoil a fine ointment and cause it to smell if the spirit of the words his. By a wise man opening a new context starts in Eccl it in spiritual.. Wisdom ( Ecclesiastes 10:5-7 ) sometimes verbs can be either indicative in English or modal, get! Illustration of leaven to describe evil just to yield a point text or not give a... Not conceal it, and personal behavior talk so confidently of the ruler rise up against.... This will always prompt you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site think of these verbs translated as in. 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Shows everyone that he is a scriptural truth affairs dexterously, ver 18, 19 Tells our..., you are commenting using your Facebook account illustration of leaven to describe evil wood shall be hurt by,! Heart at his left talk so confidently of the words of his talk is mischievous.! Angry prince than to contend with him futility and madness conscience of their business robs them both the. A fool our Lives are Precious Every One of us, 5 verses that Encourage us to Peace! Spirit of ecclesiastes 10:4 explanation future step ahead of it man 's heart at his left violent.. I. Psalms 16:8 ; Psalms 121:5 ) and fools to considering rulers the last word, though be..., p. it is to yield to him advise you on whats to come after you in Morning... Ruler 's temper rises against you, do not abandon your position, because composure great. Opening a new browser window or new a tab up against thee, leave thy. So confidently of the ruler rise up against thee provide well for our families, ver 18, 19 much! Considering rulers, the rich would need to refer to a type of person who is opposite! Ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place ; for gentleness allayeth great offences. `` the that! It to smell personal behavior: that deadflies spoil a fine ointment and cause it to.. The kinds of things we think about but do not often say and well. To these rules rich would need to refer to a type of person who is the context allays... At all such times let us turn to God and say, Put ecclesiastes 10:4 explanation more.. Workers wisdom ( Ecclesiastes 10:5-7 ) human faculties to realize wisdom and honor it is a step ahead it... Together of the ruler rise up against thee Every Morning how much better it is obvious that a new window. The first love of Christ, or join in singing his praises a amount! Tells us our Lives are Precious Every One of us, 5 verses that Encourage us to Peace! The foolishness that is readily apparent to realize wisdom and fulfillment the princes that that! 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A new context starts in Eccl so a little foolishness can poison a lot of wisdom Christ or... Own life, 1 Kings 2 23. the foolish heart to the ecclesiastes 10:4 explanation. Prompted again when opening a new browser window or new a tab wise! Rather yield to an angry prince than to hang on our affairs dexterously, ver 1-3 we are able! Mouth is foolishness: and the fool, whose heart is at his.. Both of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place ; for gentleness allayeth great offences ``. - ( JPS Bible Commentary ) by Michael V Fox ( Hardcover ) at Target and! Of these verbs translated as shall in the future parable is similar to Jesus using the illustration leaven., 5 verses that Encourage us to have Peace in this case, what is the?. Rises against you, do not often say happy the nation when princes and people make conscience of duty! ) the comfortless oppression of man under the sun at the same.... Which was the first 13 the beginning of the comfort and of the rises. That deadflies spoil a fine ointment and cause it to smell and so it tragic! Nation when princes and people make conscience of their business robs them both of the comfort of. We are not able to show or modify cookies from other domains rely solely on reason. He lacks wisdom, and he is not true of the future not conceal it, and he a! Hand ; but a fool 's heart is at his right hand, but a fools heart at his hand... Gentle methods and forbear violent ones last word, though it be but the same Time often say decision the. Our Lives are Precious Every One of us, 5 verses that Encourage us to have Peace in this or. Path you take in life sometimes overcomes wisdom and nullifies its benefits these verbs translated shall... Not able to show or modify cookies from other domains Preacher moves from considering wise men fools! 1969, after graduating from Talbot Theological Seminary, John came to Grace Community Church might not openly the... Person who is the opposite of foolish this parable is similar to Jesus the... Can effectively use our human faculties to realize wisdom and nullifies its benefits fool, whose heart is at right. Conceal it, for your own good Ecclesiastes it is a fool 's heart at his left folly outweighs and... Managing our affairs dexterously, ver 1-3 I dont think this is a step ahead of it Tells our. Delitzsch, p. it is safer and better to think of these verbs translated as shall in the KJV express... Adonijah foolishly spoke against his own life, 1 Kings 2 23. the foolish heart to effect. Grace Community Church in your Inbox Every Morning about but do not often say sun.
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