United Commentaries

Eccl.9.18-10.1

one sinner can destroy . . . a little foolishness spoils: Sin and foolishness can undo a lot of good in a very short time.

Eccl.10.2-3

These two proverbs show the stupidity of fools. They choose wrongly, and everything they do shows that they are foolish.

Eccl.10.4

A boss can be anyone in authority.

Eccl.10.5-7

The unjust and destructive delegation of authority to those incapable of using it wisely is a grave mistake. Favoritism, nepotism, extortion, and bribery can place the most reckless fools in the most powerful positions.

Eccl.10.7

servants riding . . . princes walking: Cp. Prov 19:10.

Eccl.10.8-9

Every activity requires wisdom. Wisdom is evident in the safety precautions taken by those engaged in every profession, yet there is always a degree of risk.

Eccl.10.10

wisdom . . . helps you succeed: In all occupations, there are tools that must be kept in good order to be most efficient. Simply sharpening the blade of a dull ax can be a significant act of wisdom for those whose livelihood depends on it.

Eccl.10.11

One purpose of charming a snake is to keep it from biting, but a snake charmer risks being bitten before it is charmed. Some occupations are so hazardous that the wise do not engage in them at all.

Eccl.10.12

Fools are destroyed by such things as foolish promises, getting caught in false testimony, and making the wrong people angry (see 5:6; Prov 17:20; 18:6-7; 19:5, 9).

Eccl.10.14

they chatter on and on: Fools are always talking about nothing (see 5:3; 6:11; Prov 10:19; 17:28).

no one can predict the future: The wise will not waste time in foolish talking nor suffer its consequences (see Jas 4:13-16).

Eccl.10.15-20

The audience for this speech might have been an assembly of government workers. How should one rule when power and wealth invite a lack of accountability?

Eccl.10.15

Fools are so unaccustomed to work that when they actually try to work, they become exhausted.

Eccl.10.16-17

A servant lacks leadership skills.

feast at the proper time: Wise leaders take their leisure only after the work is finished, not in the morning before work has even started. Lazy leaders weaken a society or organization.

Eccl.10.18

Delay in repairing a roof leads to drooping rafters and eventually to the ruin of the home (see Prov 12:27; 20:4). Corruption in government has a similar effect (Eccl 10:15-16).

Eccl.10.19

money gives everything: It is the way to get what you want or need in this world (cp. 7:11-12).

Eccl.10.20

It is often a mystery how someone knows what we have said. The best way to control our reputation is to control our thoughts.