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Ecclesiastes 10

1
Dead flies cause the oil of the perfumer to produce an evil odor; so does a little folly outweigh wisdom and honor.
2
A wise man’s heart is at his right hand, but a fool’s heart at his left.
3
Yes also when the fool walks by the way, his understanding fails him, and he says to everyone that he is a fool.
4
If the spirit of the ruler rises up against you, don’t leave your place; for gentleness lays great offenses to rest.
5
There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, the sort of error which proceeds from the ruler.
6
Folly is set in great dignity, and the rich sit in a low place.
7
I have seen servants on horses, and princes walking like servants on the earth.
8
He who digs a pit may fall into it; and whoever breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake.
9
Whoever carves out stones may be injured by them. Whoever splits wood may be endangered by it.
10
If the ax is blunt, and one doesn’t sharpen the edge, then he must use more strength; but skill brings success.
11
If the snake bites before it is charmed, then is there no profit for the charmer’s tongue.
12
The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious; but a fool is swallowed by his own lips.
13
The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness; and the end of his talk is mischievous madness.
14
A fool also multiplies words. Man doesn’t know what will be; and that which will be after him, who can tell him?
15
The labor of fools wearies every one of them; for he doesn’t know how to go to the city.
16
Woe to you, land, when your king is a child, and your princes eat in the morning!
17
Happy are you, land, when your king is the son of nobles, and your princes eat in due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness!
18
By slothfulness the roof sinks in; and through idleness of the hands the house leaks.
19
A feast is made for laughter, and wine makes the life glad; and money is the answer for all things.
20
Don’t curse the king, no, not in your thoughts; and don’t curse the rich in your bedroom, for a bird of the sky may carry your voice, and that which has wings may tell the matter.
Chapter overviewAI-generated

Overview.
This chapter reflects on the destructive effects of folly, particularly in positions of authority, and contrasts the conduct of the wise and the foolish in personal and public life. It underscores how small moral failures can undermine great wisdom, how rulers and leaders profoundly shape a nation’s fate, and how practical wisdom brings stability and security.

Flow.

  • The chapter begins with a proverb illustrating how a small folly can ruin great wisdom, like a few dead flies spoiling costly ointment.
  • It then contrasts the disposition and actions of the wise and the foolish, especially in leadership, showing how foolish rulers bring disorder and decline.
  • Attention shifts to the dangers inherent in foolish labor and neglect, using images of pitfalls, broken walls, and dull tools to emphasize the need for skill and diligence.
  • The chapter closes with warnings about speech and secrecy, particularly concerning rulers, highlighting the inescapability of consequences.

Connections.
Following chapter 9, which examined the unpredictability of life and the importance of diligence and joy under God’s hand, chapter 10 sharpens the focus on wisdom as a practical and moral necessity, especially in governance and daily labor. It anticipates chapter 11, which calls for active investment and readiness in the face of life’s uncertainties, by showing what happens when folly replaces foresight. The critique of idle, ineffective leadership in this chapter sets the stage for the exhortations to youth and action that conclude the book.

What it teaches.
True wisdom preserves and honors, while folly—especially when exalted to leadership—brings widespread harm (WCF 1.6). Leaders must act with humility and restraint, for a ruler’s error can corrupt the whole order (Rom. 13:1–4; WCF 23.1). The chapter warns against sloth and unready labor, affirming that skill and preparation are gifts of God’s common providence (HC LD 9). It also teaches that the tongue reveals the heart: the wise speak graciously and sparingly, while the fool’s words lead to ruin (WCF 16.7; LC 129). Even in private, one must fear God, for He sees all (Ps. 139; WCF 3.7).

Apply.
Conduct your work and words with such care that others see the value of wisdom, not the stain of folly.

AI-generated. Not a substitute for Scripture, your pastor, or the confessions.