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Ecclesiastes 10

Eccles 10, Ec 10, Qoh 10, Qoheleth 10


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 and honour.

2 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 every one that he is a fool.

4 If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great offences.

5 There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, as an error which proceedeth from the ruler:

6 Folly is set in great dignity, and the rich sit in low place.

7 I have seen servants upon horses, and princes walking as servants upon the earth.

8 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 wisdom is profitable to direct.



11 Surely the serpent will bite without enchantment; and a babbler is no better.

12 The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself.

13 The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness: and the end of his talk is mischievous madness.

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?

15 The labour of the foolish wearieth every one of them, because he knoweth not how to go to the city.

16 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!

18 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 the air shall carry the voice, and that which hath wings shall tell the matter.

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Summary and the Meaning of Ecclesiastes Chapter 10

Ecclesiastes is a book in the Old Testament of the Bible, believed to have been written by King Solomon in his later years. The book is known for its philosophical and reflective nature, as it explores the meaning of life and the pursuit of wisdom. Chapter 10 of Ecclesiastes continues this theme, offering wisdom and insights on various aspects of life.

The Folly of Foolishness

The first part of Ecclesiastes chapter 10 focuses on the folly of foolishness and the importance of wisdom. The chapter begins with the famous verse, "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 and honour" (Ecclesiastes 10:1). This verse serves as a metaphor for the destructive nature of foolishness, which can ruin the reputation and wisdom of even the most esteemed individuals.

The chapter goes on to discuss the consequences of foolishness, stating that it can lead to a lack of direction and purpose in life. "The labour of the foolish wearieth every one of them, because he knoweth not how to go to the city" (Ecclesiastes 10:15). This verse highlights the aimlessness and lack of productivity that comes with foolishness.

In contrast, the chapter emphasizes the value and importance of wisdom. "Wisdom is profitable to direct" (Ecclesiastes 10:10). This verse highlights the practical benefits of wisdom, as it can guide one towards a successful and fulfilling life. The chapter also warns against the dangers of pride and arrogance, stating that "the heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth" (Ecclesiastes 10:2). This verse serves as a reminder that true wisdom comes from humility and a willingness to learn.

The Power of Words

The second part of Ecclesiastes chapter 10 focuses on the power of words and the importance of using them wisely. The chapter begins by stating, "A wise man's heart is at his right hand; but a fool's heart at his left" (Ecclesiastes 10:2). This verse suggests that wise individuals are careful with their words, while fools are quick to speak without thinking.

The chapter also warns against the dangers of gossip and slander, stating that "the words of a wise man's mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself" (Ecclesiastes 10:12). This verse highlights the destructive nature of spreading rumors and speaking ill of others.

Ecclesiastes 10 also emphasizes the importance of speaking with wisdom and discretion. "The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself" (Ecclesiastes 10:12). This verse suggests that wise individuals carefully choose their words and speak with kindness and grace, while fools often speak without thinking and face the consequences of their words.

The Inevitability of Life's Ups and Downs

The final part of Ecclesiastes chapter 10 reflects on the inevitability of life's ups and downs. The chapter begins by stating, "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" (Ecclesiastes 10:10). This verse serves as a metaphor for the challenges and struggles we face in life, and the importance of using wisdom to navigate through them.

The chapter also acknowledges that life is unpredictable and that we cannot control everything that happens to us. "The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all" (Ecclesiastes 10:11). This verse serves as a reminder that success and fortune are not solely based on one's abilities, but also on timing and circumstances.

The Meaning of Ecclesiastes Chapter 10

Overall, Ecclesiastes chapter 10 offers wisdom and insights on various aspects of life, including the importance of wisdom, the power of words, and the inevitability of life's ups and downs. The chapter serves as a reminder to seek wisdom and use it to navigate through life's challenges, to be mindful of our words and use them wisely, and to make the most of our time on earth while we can.

Furthermore, the chapter highlights the folly of foolishness and the destructive nature of pride and arrogance. It also acknowledges the unpredictability of life and the inevitability of death, reminding readers to make the most of their time and not take life for granted.

In summary, Ecclesiastes chapter 10 serves as a reflection on the meaning of life and the pursuit of wisdom. It offers practical advice on how to live a fulfilling and purposeful life, while also acknowledging the uncertainties and challenges that come with it. Ultimately, the chapter encourages readers to seek wisdom, use their words carefully, and make the most of their time on earth.



This article is informed by the King James Version of the Holy Bible, the authors' personal knowledge, considerations and experience, and additional materials and resources available in internet.

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