Please login to your account first; Need help? For the king had at sea a navy of Tharshish with the navy of Hiram: once in three years came the navy of Tharshish, bringing gold, and silver, ivory, and apes, and peacocks. The fool folds his hands together, and eats his own flesh. And this would tie in to verse 18 quite well, as it’s not just idleness that causes the house to decay, but resources going to feasting instead of being used to meet vital needs. Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips. Verse 4, we earlier saw, encouraged the wise course of sticking to one’s duty and conciliatory efforts in the face of an upset or offended leader. . These are the readings from the Revised Common Lectionary. 11 And when her sister Aholibah saw this, she was more corrupt in her inordinate love than she, and in her whoredoms more than her sister in her whoredoms. Read verse in New King James Version 700 B.C.] Consider an untamed tongue being compared to a slithering uncharmed snake. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. Perhaps there is a contrast here between being a servant or slave to foolish ways, as is too often the case, versus the free man who is not confined to this predicament. The sun sinking to the west may have reminded them that the day … Ecclesiastes 10:19 Context. This does not mean that we should tolerate serious abuse, but if someone gets angry with us, even unjustly, it’s best not to cut loose. A soft answer turns away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. 3 Remind them () to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, () to be ready for every good work, 2 to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men. 10 As dead flies cause even a bottle of perfume to stink, so a little foolishness spoils great wisdom and honor. Looking for the ideal Ecclesiastes Gifts? The words of Ecclesiastes 10:4 Ecclesiastes 10:4If the spirit of the ruler rise up against you, leave not your place; for yielding pacifies great offenses.American King James Version×are good counsel not just for the courtiers of a king—but for all of us in dealing with various relationships—with civil authority, with a boss at work, with parents, with one’s spouse. The NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible relates: “As Ecclesiastes complains of slaves on horseback, so the ‘Complaints of Khakheperresonb’ declares, ‘He who used to give commands is (now) one to whom commands are given.’ The Admonitions of Ipu-wer similarly complains, ‘Indeed, princes are hungry and perish, / Servants are served.’ These Egyptian texts are not in all respects the same as Ecclesiastes; they tend to focus on the general lawlessness in society during times of political instability in Egypt, whereas Ecclesiastes is concerned more universally with the absurdities of human life. The next verse here, Ecclesiastes 10:19 Ecclesiastes 10:19A feast is made for laughter, and wine makes merry: but money answers all things.American King James Version×, states, “A feast is made for laughter, and wine makes merry; but money answers everything.” This saying, by its placement here, also appears to comment on the feasting and drinking by those in charge of the national wealth in verses 16-17. Article Images Copyright © 2021 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. Some commentators take the digging of a pit and breaking through a wall in verse 8 as doing something against other people—laying a trap or breaking into a home or establishment—and having this backfire (falling into the pit or getting bitten by a snake). Salem Media Group. 168-169) or that they “spend their nights banqueting into the early morning” (NKJV Study Bible, note on verse 16). Then said Paul, I knew not, brothers, that he was the high priest: for it is written, You shall not speak evil of the ruler of your people. Not knowing the way could tie back to verse 3, where a fool is known for how he walks along the way. And yet another part of the problem would seem to involve being too hasty in acting, failing to take the needed time to prepare for the task—in this case, sharpening the tool. It could in Ecclesiastes 10:16 Ecclesiastes 10:16Woe to you, O land, when your king is a child, and your princes eat in the morning!American King James Version×refer to “a king who acts like a child” (Tommy Nelson, p. 168). He that digs a pit shall fall into it; and whoever breaks an hedge, a serpent shall bite him. Continue in a diligent and faithful discharge of thy duty, as becomes a … We should also note a warning at the end of the chapter about exercising great caution to not offend authorities (verse 20). This lectionary is followed by many churches across the globe including Anglican, Baptist, Episcopal, Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian, Reformed and many more.Read more about the RCL at Vanderbilt.edu and CommonTexts.org.. Click on "Find Related Songs" to search for worship songs for a given service. Beyond Today Bible Commentary: Ecclesiastes. NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: SONG OF SOLOMON 1:4b 4b "We will rejoice in you and be glad; We will extol your love more than wine. 10. Deal wisely in matters of government and powerful people, be careful in any given task. KJV 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. It is better to hold one’s tongue and wait for the best time to speak. 9:13-16) but moral character: the ‘fools’ and ‘slaves’ are those unworthy of advancement, and the ‘rich’ and ‘princes’ are people of noble character”—and who, we should add, are capable of what is required. This, too, would apply individually and nationally. The Holman Old Testament Commentary agrees, stating: “Although verse 19 is somewhat enigmatic, it does seem to point to the fact that the fool believes that earthly things are the way to achieve the good life” (Moore, note on verses 16-20). 2 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”. . 3 For () we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. The heart of the righteous studies to answer: but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things. Presented here is a verse by verse exposition of the entire Testament. For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully.”. Sometimes it is important to take more time to prepare. The woe or disaster in verse 16 comes when the king is a “child” or “youth” (NKJV, YLT) or, as in other versions, a “servant” or “slave” (NIV, NEB), with princes feasting in the morning. In a fine note of sarcasm, this proverb says that a person may be so involved in arguing about the universe [or lofty matters] that he misses what the ordinary person is concerned about, namely, finding the way home” (Wright, note on Ecclesiastes 10:15 Ecclesiastes 10:15The labor of the foolish wearies every one of them, because he knows not how to go to the city.American King James Version×). .they" It is very difficult to identify this group(s). [5] As you know not what is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: even so you know not the works of God who makes all. “Drinking in the early hours of the day marked a dissolute, slothful approach to life, with emphasis on personal indulgence” (Tyndale, note on Ecclesiastes 10:17 Ecclesiastes 10:17Blessed are you, O land, when your king is the son of nobles, and your princes eat in due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness!American King James Version×). Introduction (Ecclesiastes 6:10-12): (7) Whatever it is that comes, its name already has been called, and what a man [will be] is known (6:10-11), So he is not able to judge like the One who [is] stronger than he (6:10c). It’s often thought to refer to an ax here because the previous verse mentions splitting wood. But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. Indeed, it’s surely no coincidence that laziness and idleness are condemned immediately after in verse 18. Gen 4:11. How much worse to take their counsel in affairs of state” (note on verses 12-15). The picture here of a bird telling the matter is a metaphor of something being overheard and passed on— and, with flight, getting around fast. 8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss # Is. (Included in this is taking proper precautions against the dangers of the previous verses.) ), but may also be his wisdom, since the anger that can be mollified by deference ([Ecclesiastes 10:]4b) has itself the symptoms of a huff; and one person in that state is better than two” (p. 90). Yet most people today have never heard of John Gill. Of course, maybe the person the ruler comes down on is in the wrong to start with—at least in some way. [3] Be not hasty to go out of his sight: stand not in an evil thing; for he does whatever pleases him. The significance is that those who try to serve fairly and justly may see their efforts blow up in their faces” (note on verses 8-11). Ecclesiastes 10:4 4 If the spirit of the ruler rises against you, b Do not leave your post; For c conciliation 3 pacifies great offenses. 2 He was in the beginning with God. The Easy-to-Read Version says the problem is trying “to cut with a dull knife.” The Voice translation is less specific: “If a tool is dull and no one sharpens its edge, the work will be harder….” Failure to use wisdom in using blunted tools results in wasted effort—and exertion toward exhausting one’s own strength. Even if we are in the right and are suffering injustice, remember that Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers” (Matthew 5:9 Matthew 5:9Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.American King James Version×). Others, however—including the Tyndale commentary itself—disagree with this interpretation, taking verse 19 as instead a negative commentary on the licentious life of verses 16 and 18: “The failure of the slothful life is seen here: bread…wine…money is the limit of its horizon.” That is, these are the height of what immature, self-indulgent people have to live for. ? As the Tyndale commentary notes on verse 19, “It is difficult to decide how to take this verse.” Some, it points out, see in verses 16, 17, 18 and 19 a “woe…bliss…woe…bliss” sequence, so that the laziness and breakdown in verse 18 is “concerned with the woeful results of the foolish life,” while verse 19 refers to “the happy results of the wise life” (ibid.). The earliest record of such a bird, possibly a parakeet, is from the Greek physician and historian Ctesias of the 5th century B.C. But by the second interpretation of verse 11, warning against being too hasty in speech, the verse would be giving another example of acting too quickly without proper forethought and preparation as in verse 10—and we should note that this is also the point of the next few verses, 12-14, so that verse 11 might well be grouped with these thematically. the generations. This is thought to illustrate the danger of acting too slowly—in contrast to the opposite problem in verse 10 of acting too quickly without preparing. Certain passages, like “to the pure God is pure…” (paraphrased) are repeated verbatim in the Bible as are passages like 1 Sam 7 & 1 Chronicles 17 verbatim repetition, at least for part of those chapters. File: PDF, 37.13 MB. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up. there is more hope of a fool than of him.American King James Version×). It’s also been suggested that the imagery here could fit with someone overhearing another and sending a written message about that by carrier pigeon. Be not hasty in your spirit to be angry: for anger rests in the bosom of fools. Proverbs 20 – Wisdom, Weights, and Wickedness Proverbs 20:1. The wise do everything in its proper time’” (Ryken, p. 239). 2nd Law of advancement: 2. Free Returns 100% Satisfaction Guarantee Fast Shipping The contrast, therefore, is not so much between young and old as between a mature, bold approach to life and an immature, servile manner” (note on verse 17). This seems to denote an inexperienced or immature ruler with other subordinate leaders who are immature in self indulgence. Ecclesiastes 10:7 I have seen servants on horses, While princes walk on the ground like servants. The point here would be to guard against hastily or carelessly saying something harmful. It seems to say that whatever it is they have to do wearies them because they don’t know how to go about it—not even the simplest thing like going to town. “The proverb of v[erse] 18 can obviously apply equally well to the administration of the whole state and the private economy of one’s household” (NAC, note on verses 18-20). For wisdom is a defense, and money is a defense: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom gives life to them that have it. The word typically translated “quarrying” in verse 9 could indeed mean quarrying, although it might mean merely uprooting or removing—as a farmer clearing stones from his field, and injuries could result from that as well as from quarrying work (NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible, note on verse 9). Ovid, the famous Roman poet, is reported to have said, ‘At times it is folly to hasten, at other times, to delay. In parallel, Proverbs 15:28 Proverbs 15:28The heart of the righteous studies to answer: but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.American King James Version×says that “the heart of the righteous studies [or ponders] how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours forth evil.” And Proverbs 15:2 Proverbs 15:2The tongue of the wise uses knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools pours out foolishness.American King James Version×says, “The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, but the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness” (see also Ecclesiastes 12:23 Ecclesiastes 12:23American King James Version×). Copyright © 2021, Bible Study Tools. The NKJV interprets the KJV in saying “the babbler is no different.” This is saying that a person just talking and talking is no better than a snake not being charmed. So I looked for him but did no... Read verse in New International Version This is not to say there would not come a point to necessarily flee the situation. 3 Even when a fool walks along the way, American King James Version×concerned not running afoul of government. Or perhaps these intervening verses concern how we as individuals react to the inequity of inappropriate leadership—pointing out that we ourselves need to be very careful, not doing things that would add to our difficulties or bring us harm (fitting with the inclusio theme beginning in verse 4 and ending in verse 20 about dealing cautiously with rulers). The next two verses in Ecclesiastes 10, verses 16-17, concern two divergent national destinies—woe or blessing—based on the kind of rulers a land has. The labor of the foolish wearies every one of them, because he knows not how to go to the city. Both can have disastrous consequences. Consider Solomon’s father David with Saul. The proverb further says not to curse the wealthy and powerful more generally, not even with assumed privacy (“even in your bedroom”), as it may get back to them, leading to serious consequences. This is not speaking of merely having a big breakfast, for a contrast is drawn with the blessing in verse 17 of princes who “feast at the proper time—for strength and not for drunkenness.” That shows the errant feasting in verse 16 to be for the opposite—drunkenness and not for strength. [12] For man also knows not his time: as the fishes that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare; so are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falls suddenly on them. ECCLESIASTES 6:10-7:29. The problem in verse 18 is laziness or idleness, which, as noted above, ties in with the nation’s leaders wallowing in drunken feasting and evidently not getting needed work done. Send-to-Kindle or Email . The New American Commentary states: “Verse 8 draws on the familiar axiom that those who plot evil against others often have their plans backfire on them…. And the book earlier warned against being quick to get angry as foolish (Ecclesiastes 7:9 Ecclesiastes 7:9Be not hasty in your spirit to be angry: for anger rests in the bosom of fools.American King James Version×). [9] Whoever removes stones shall be hurt therewith; and he that splits wood shall be endangered thereby. Save for later . He tends to speak rashly (Prov[erbs] 12:18) and to say too much. Ecclesiastes 10:4. But, as already pointed out, these are a series of possibly standalone proverbs that have been placed together. Expositor’s comments that a meaning of servant or slave for the king in verse 16 would “indicate that the king is someone who has suddenly come to the top by others and who keeps his power by letting his deputies do what they want,” while a meaning of child or lad would “indicate that the real power is that of the deputies. This terminology would not designate a snake charmer but just someone who is able to speak well—and who is being analogized here to a snake charmer. One must be prudent and cautious. A feast is made for laughter, and wine makes merry: but money answers all things. So verses 8-15, in between, may have been placed here to further highlight why this inaptness is a problem—that wisdom, with the strategies and cautions it provides, is required in various endeavors that leaders need to engage in (and thus having unwise people in managerial roles is dangerous and inefficient). Galatians 2:2 Psalms 45:4 Ecclesiastes 10:15. Continuing in Ecclesiastes 10, verse 15 speaks of fools’ labor or work. In verse 10 we see the need for wisdom in working smarter, not just harder—which is necessary for leaders in directing the work of others, and for all of us individually in whatever it is we need to accomplish. The Apostles Heal Many And He urged being compliant in cases of maltreatment by authorities—to “turn the other cheek” (see verse 39). [4] Where the word of a king is, there is power: and who may say to him, What do you? And the fool’s “verbosity arises from too high a regard for his own opinions. — August 2018 — DATE. In any event, those under the influence of such leaders get no benefit from them” (note on verse 16). Derek Kidner writes in The Message of Ecclesiastes regarding 10:4: “What we are invited to notice is that rather absurd human phenomenon, the huff. Unwise people, however, lose their temper and suffer accordingly” (Wright, note on verse 4). Or yet another possibility is that verse 19 could mean that money is what allows us to feast and enjoy life—it “pays for both,” to borrow the wording proposed above—so we must work to earn to continue to experience this enjoyment, not be idle, in line with the section theme of working wisely and diligently. 1 a In the beginning was b the Word, and c the Word was with God, and d the Word was God. Ecclesiastes 9:10 Context. Get beautiful Bible art delivered to your inbox. This chapter marks a decisive change in the book in that it not only becomes much more positive than it has been preceding this, but it also becomes more exhortive. This would mean the feasting for laughter, the wine making merry and money answering everything (addressing all needs and wants perhaps) is viewed as a positive—corresponding to their proper use by wise leaders in verse 17. Note on John 9:14), then this work must have come near the close of the day. It may be a chorus (NJB) or possibly the maidens of Sol 1:3, who might be identified with the daughters of Jerusalem (NKJV). Come check out our giant selection of T-Shirts, Mugs, Tote Bags, Stickers and More. Letting down, not remaining vigilant and diligent, will result in the breakdown of our literal homes as well as our households or families and our lives in general. He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity. 2nd Law of advancement: 2. Proud member
Send inquiries regarding the operation of this Web site to webmaster@ucg.org. These verses return to the evil or disaster Solomon saw in verses 5-7 of the wrong people, the foolish and unqualified, being in positions of responsibility—and come near the end of an apparent literary inclusio (verses 4-20), as earlier mentioned. Woe to you, O land, when your king is a child, and your princes eat in the morning! It states, “Do not curse the king, even in your thoughts.” This might be better put: Don’t curse the king—don’t even think about doing it (compare CEV). If one can recognize its symptoms, one will be saved some self-inflicted damage—for while it may feel magnificent to ‘resign your post’ (NEB), ostensibly on principle but actually in a fit of pride, it is in fact less impressive, more immature, than it feels. A footnote in the Easy-to-Read Version says, “This is a person who was never a slave and whose parents were not slaves.” The New American Commentary says that, as in verses 5-7, “once again ‘servant’ (v. 16) and ‘noble’ (v. 17) refer to the moral character of the king more than to his genealogy” (note on verses 16-17). Colossians 1:9. Be not hasty to go out of his sight: stand not in an evil thing; for he does whatever pleases him. Recall that Ecclesiastes 8:2-9 Ecclesiastes 8:2-9 [2] I counsel you to keep the king's commandment, and that in regard of the oath of God. We can see that verses 16-17, which follow these, return to the folly in verses 5-7 of having the wrong people in positions of responsibility. LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh: Blessed are you, O land, when your king is the son of nobles, and your princes eat in due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness! 2 A wise man's heart is at his right hand; but a fool's heart at his left. We have today the expression “He who hesitates is lost.” Just so, here would be someone who has taken the time to prepare in learning the skill of snake charming but doesn’t use it when needed. Ecclesiastes 10:4 Context 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. We see an even closer parallel to Ecclesiastes 10:8 Ecclesiastes 10:8He that digs a pit shall fall into it; and whoever breaks an hedge, a serpent shall bite him.American King James Version×in Proverbs 26:27 Proverbs 26:27Whoever digs a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolls a stone, it will return on him.American King James Version×: “Whoever digs a pit will fall into it, and he who rolls a stone will have it roll back on him.” This is likewise often taken to refer to acting against others. Ecclesiastes 10:15 The labor of fools wearies them, For they do not even know how to go to the city! Genesis 5:1 This is the book of the generations of Adam. But these versions may be accurately paraphrasing. 7 But # Matt. The course of wisdom is to not take the chance of putting oneself in jeopardy this way. (It should be noted that this is not speaking of mystical enchantment but a method of holding a snake’s focus—mostly through movements.) Inquiries regarding the operation of this matter, as we ’ ll see more in! Dangerous ( verse 20 ) both shall fall into the ditch of his:... 7 ] for this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully denigration. Observes the wind shall not sow ; and he said, what hast thou done best. Not your place ; for he has no one to be the one whispering—a snake charmer not.! These I have counted loss for Christ little time, and your princes eat in the ancient writings the... Wise person knows when to be angry: for they do not,! Since his works contain priceless gems of information that are found nowhere except in the same as... Has no one to help him up serpent shall bite him who immature. For he has no one to help him up the darkness has not overcome it to hear Jesus faithful of... Perfect item for every occasion ll see more about in a diligent and faithful discharge of brother... Of him can backfire ( verse 9 ) one endures grief, suffering wrongfully Sons… Joseph ’ not., p. 239 ) eventually found out one hundred years old, … created order the! Indeed I also count all things were made through him, with thoughts leading to actions, so a time... ’ labor or work to the west may have reminded them that the day … 7 but Matt... The Revised Common Lectionary temper and suffer accordingly ” ( Wright, note on John 9:14 ecclesiastes 10 4b nkjv, then continue... Is alone when he falls, for they do not say, `` Why were the former better... On the basis of its internal repetition different ways the morning in 1 Corinthians 14:40 `` should... Condemned immediately after in verse 17 who brings blessing to the next segment, how exactly the of! Untamed tongue being compared to a slithering uncharmed snake and whoever breaks an hedge, a serpent bite! Continue in a broader context this is commendable, if a man for conscience toward God one endures grief suffering! 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An untamed tongue being compared to a slithering uncharmed snake wine maketh merry: but answers. Worth pointing out that certain Egyptian texts present the exaltation of unworthy characters a... Door of my lips from too high a regard for his own flesh can tell when... Out and buried her beside her husband silver ; nor he that observes the wind shall not.! This proverb in Israel has been interpreted in quite different ways refer to an ax, much... Into the ditch which he made wicked pours out foolishness down on is the... Or immature ruler with other subordinate leaders who are immature in self indulgence a brawler, and Talmud attribute authorship!
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