Bible Commentary

A fool also is full of words: a man cannot tell what shall be; and what shall be after him, who can tell him? 14. A fool also is full of words ] Literally, multiplies words. The introduction of “a man” is not an idle pleonasm. The “man” is not the “fool,” but the fool … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ecclesiastes 10:14”

The beginning of the words of his mouth [is] foolishness: and the end of his talk [is] mischievous madness. 13. The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness ] The words point, with a profound insight into human nature, to the progress from bad to worse in one who has the gift of … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ecclesiastes 10:13”

The words of a wise man’s mouth [are] gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself. 12. The words of a wise man’s mouth ] The mention of the babbling eloquence of “the master of tongue” in the previous verse is naturally followed by precepts fashioned after the type of those in … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ecclesiastes 10:12”

Surely the serpent will bite without enchantment; and a babbler is no better. 11. Surely the serpent will bite without enchantment ] Literally, If the serpent will bite without enchantment, i.e. in the absence of skill to charm it. It is hardly necessary to dwell at length on a topic so familiar as the serpent-charming … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ecclesiastes 10:11”

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. If the iron be blunt ] The proverb seems obviously suggested by that of the preceding verse, but its meaning is far from clear. The axe (literally, the iron) … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ecclesiastes 10:10”

Whoso removeth stones shall be hurt therewith; [and] he that cleaveth wood shall be endangered thereby. 9. Whoso removeth stones shall be hurt therewith ] The words are referred by some commentators to an act like that of the previous verse, by others to hewing stone in the quarry. In the former case, however, we … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ecclesiastes 10:9”

He that diggeth a pit shall fall into it; and whoso breaketh a hedge, a serpent shall bite him. 8. He that diggeth a pit shall fall into it ] It is scarcely a profitable task to endeavour to trace a very close connexion between this and the preceding verses. The writer has got into … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ecclesiastes 10:8”

I have seen servants upon horses, and princes walking as servants upon the earth. 7. I have seen servants upon horses ] The general fact of the previous verse is reproduced with more dramatic vividness. To ride upon horses was with the Parthians a special distinction of the nobly born (Justin xli. 3). So Mordecai … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ecclesiastes 10:7”

Folly is set in great dignity, and the rich sit in low place. 6. Folly is set in great dignity, and the rich sit in low place ] For “great dignity,” literally great heights. The “rich” here are those who by birth and station are looked on as the natural rulers of mankind. Such men, … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ecclesiastes 10:6”

There is an evil [which] I have seen under the sun, as an error which proceedeth from the ruler: 5. as an error which proceedeth from the ruler ] The last word serves as a link connecting this verse with the preceding. It might be wise at times to bow to the temper of a … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ecclesiastes 10:5”