FocusMeasured conduct and unknown outcomes
Connection to the wholeThe sayings explore what wisdom can and cannot accomplish and call for responsible action without pretending to control every result.
interpretation Ecclesiastes 10:5
KJVThere is an evil which I have seen under the sun, as an error which proceedeth from the ruler:
Read it in context
Wisdom and Folly
Start reading at Ecclesiastes 10:1 (Ecclesiastes 10:1 to Ecclesiastes 10:20).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The sayings explore what wisdom can and cannot accomplish and call for responsible action without pretending to control every result.
- 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.
- 10:2 A wise man's heart is at his right hand; but a fool's heart at his left.
- 10:3 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.
- 10:4 If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great offences.
- 10:5 There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, as an error which proceedeth from the ruler:
- 10:6 Folly is set in great dignity, and the rich sit in low place.
- 10:7 I have seen servants upon horses, and princes walking as servants upon the earth.
- 10:8 He that diggeth a pit shall fall into it; and whoso breaketh an hedge, a serpent shall bite him.
- 10:9 Whoso removeth stones shall be hurt therewith; and he that cleaveth wood shall be endangered thereby.
- 10:10 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.
- 10:11 Surely the serpent will bite without enchantment; and a babbler is no better.
- 10:12 The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself.
- 10:13 The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness: and the end of his talk is mischievous madness.
- 10:14 A fool also is full of words: a man cannot tell what shall be; and what shall be after him, who can tell him?
- 10:15 The labour of the foolish wearieth every one of them, because he knoweth not how to go to the city.
- 10:16 Woe to thee, O land, when thy king is a child, and thy princes eat in the morning!
- 10:17 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!
- 10:18 By much slothfulness the building decayeth; and through idleness of the hands the house droppeth through.
- 10:19 A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry: but money answereth all things.
- 10:20 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.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Solomon is the traditional identification of the Preacher. The speaker is described as a son of David and king in Jerusalem, but the personal identification is debated. Biblical references: Ecclesiastes 1:1; Ecclesiastes 1:12. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Ecclesiastes 1:1–11:10): The Preacher reflects before his hearers on work, pleasure, injustice, mortality, and wisdom. Many observations describe human experience generally rather than a single event with a fixed audience. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? People seeking wisdom about work, mortality, and the fear of God; the closing instruction addresses a son or pupil. The first specific community is unknown. Biblical references: Ecclesiastes 12:9; Ecclesiastes 12:12; Ecclesiastes 12:13. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Wisdom and Folly. Read Ecclesiastes 10:1 through Ecclesiastes 10:20 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? The sayings explore what wisdom can and cannot accomplish and call for responsible action without pretending to control every result. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The Preacher reflects on experience and human life without supplying a modern composition date. Identifying the speaker and dating the final book involve questions beyond a single proverb. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The speaker identifies a royal setting in Jerusalem, while the observations range broadly over life under the sun. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Wisdom and Folly (Ecclesiastes 10:1 to Ecclesiastes 10:20). Start reading at Ecclesiastes 10:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The book's concern with mortality and judgment can be read alongside the New Testament's teaching about resurrection and accountability through Christ. This is a canonical connection, not a claim that each reflection explicitly names Him. See Ecclesiastes 1:12, Ecclesiastes 12:14, Acts 17:31. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Receive ordinary life with gratitude, act responsibly amid uncertainty, and remember accountability to God. Read bleak observations within the book's larger inquiry and conclusion. interpretation
Cited: Ecclesiastes 10:1, Ecclesiastes 10:20, Ecclesiastes 1:12, Ecclesiastes 12:14, Acts 17:31
Who wrote it, and how we know
Solomon (traditional)
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book identifies its speaker as the Preacher, son of David, king in Jerusalem.
Ecclesiastes 1:1Ecclesiastes 1:12
Early traditionTradition identifies the Preacher as Solomon.
What is debatedThe name Solomon never appears. Some scholars date the language later, though this is debated.
Related passages
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of Ecclesiastes 10
Ecclesiastes identifies its speaker as the Preacher, son of David, king in Jerusalem, without giving the personal name Solomon in its opening. Read observations about life under the sun within the book's questioning movement and final conclusion. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
Ecclesiastes 1:1 Ecclesiastes 1:12 Ecclesiastes 12:13
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of Ecclesiastes
Ecclesiastes identifies its speaker as the Preacher, son of David, king in Jerusalem, without giving the personal name Solomon in its opening. Read observations about life under the sun within the book's questioning movement and final conclusion.
Ecclesiastes 1:1 Ecclesiastes 1:12 Ecclesiastes 12:13
The search for lasting gain
Ecclesiastes 1:1–2:26FocusWisdom, pleasure, work, and mortality
Connection to the wholeThe opening question is tested through experience and reflection, exposing the limits of gain that can be secured under the sun.
interpretation Time, injustice, and the limits of possession
Ecclesiastes 3:1–6:12FocusHuman life beyond human control
Connection to the wholeThe reflections examine work, community, oppression, worship, and wealth while repeatedly confronting mortality and limited knowledge.
interpretation FocusMeasured conduct and unknown outcomes
Connection to the wholeThe sayings explore what wisdom can and cannot accomplish and call for responsible action without pretending to control every result.
interpretation Remember the Creator and hear the conclusion
Ecclesiastes 11:7–12:14FocusYouth, aging, and accountability
Connection to the wholeThe closing appeal and conclusion direct the reader toward remembering the Creator, fearing God, keeping His commandments, and facing judgment.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.