Ecclesiastes 10:1-11

How can a little folly undo the benefit of skill and good judgment?

Berean Standard Bible

1 As dead flies bring a stench to the perfumer’s oil, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor. 2 A wise man’s heart inclines to the right, but the heart of a fool to the left. 3 Even as the fool walks along the road, his sense is lacking, and he shows everyone that he is a fool. 4 If the ruler’s temper flares against you, do not abandon your post, for calmness lays great offenses to rest. 5 There is an evil I have seen under the sun— an error that proceeds from the ruler: 6 Folly is appointed to great heights, but the rich sit in lowly positions. 7 I have seen slaves on horseback, while princes go on foot like slaves. 8 He who digs a pit may fall into it, and he who breaches a wall may be bitten by a snake. 9 The one who quarries stones may be injured by them, and he who splits logs endangers himself. 10 If the axe is dull and the blade unsharpened, more strength must be exerted, but skill produces success. 11 If the snake bites before it is charmed, there is no profit for the charmer.

What is the context?

The spoiled perfume image gives folly a disproportionate effect beside wisdom and honor. Right and left then picture different directions of the heart rather than locate wisdom in a body part or political party.

The counsel about a ruler’s anger favors calmness over rash abandonment. The Teacher also sees rulers elevating folly and reversing expected social places, so the advice does not pretend that power always rewards merit.

Pits, walls, quarrying, and splitting wood describe danger within human action. Sharpening an axe shows why skill and preparation can matter more than additional force.

The snake-charmer image adds the need for timely action. These comparisons teach practical judgment; they are not a guarantee that every accident results from moral failure.

How is this passage commonly understood?

Wesley reads the heart’s right hand as understanding ready to guide action and the axe as wisdom directing both small and weighty matters. His older verse 11 compares a babbler with an uncharmed snake, whereas the BSB says the charmer gains nothing if the bite comes first.

What is our position?

We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.

Where can I study this further?

No deeper study linked yet.

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