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Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ecclesiastes 10:6

Folly is set in great dignity, and the rich sit in low place . This is an instance of the error intimated in the preceding verse. A tyrannical ruler exalts incompetent persons, unworthy favorites, to "great heights", as it is literally—puts them into eminent positions. "Folly" is abstract for concrete, "fools." And the rich sit in low place . "The rich" ( ashirim ) are not simply those who have wealth, however obtained, but men of noble birth; ἀρχαιόπλουτοι , as Plumptre... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ecclesiastes 10:7

I have seen servants upon horses. A further description of the effect of the tyrant's perversion of equity. Such an allusion could not have been made in Solomon's reign, when the importation of horses was quite a new thing ( 1 Kings 10:28 ). Later, to ride upon horses was a distinction of the nobility ( Jeremiah 17:25 ). Thus Amaziah's corpse was brought on horses to be buried in the city of David ( 2 Chronicles 25:28 ): Mordecai was honored by being taken round the city on the king's... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Ecclesiastes 10:4

If the spirit ... - i. e., If he is angry.Leave not thy place - i. e., Do not lose thy self-control and quit his presence. Gentleness on thy part will calm both thyself and him, and prevent great wrongs being committed by either. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Ecclesiastes 10:6-7

The “evil” of Ecclesiastes 10:5 is here specified as that caprice of a king by which an unworthy favorite of low origin is promoted to successive dignities, while a noble person is degraded or neglected. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Ecclesiastes 10:4

Ecclesiastes 10:4. If the spirit of a ruler His passion or wrath; rise up against thee Upon some misinformation given him, or mismanagement of thine; leave not thy place In anger or discontent. Withdraw not thyself rashly and hastily from his presence and service: see on Ecclesiastes 8:3. Continue in a diligent and faithful discharge of thy duty, as becomes a subject, and modestly and humbly submit to him. For yielding pacifieth, &c. Hebrew יניח מרפא , healing maketh to cease... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Ecclesiastes 10:5-7

Ecclesiastes 10:5-7. There is an evil, &c. I have observed another great vanity and misdemeanour among men; as an error which proceedeth, &c. Or rather, as the Hebrew may be translated, which is indeed an error proceeding from the ruler: for the following erroneous conduct must needs come from those who have power of conferring honour and authority. Folly is set in great dignity Foolish and unworthy persons are frequently advanced by the favour or humour of princes into places... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Ecclesiastes 10:1-20

Thoughts on wisdom and folly (9:13-10:20)A simple story illustrates how a person may be wise and humble, but the good he does is not appreciated by those who benefit from it. Riches, status and a show of power are the things people admire. If a person lacks these, he is ignored or despised, even though his quiet words of wisdom may save a city from destruction (13-18).One foolish act can spoil a lot of good. Stupidity leads to wrongdoing and marks a person out as a fool in the eyes of everyone... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Ecclesiastes 10:4

spirit. Hebrew. ruach. App-9 . yielding, &c. = gentleness preventeth greater outrages. read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Ecclesiastes 10:5

evil. Hebrew. ra'a' . App-44 . under the sun. See note on Ecclesiastes 1:3 . read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Ecclesiastes 10:6

Folly = a great dullard. Hebrew. sakal, as in verses: Ecclesiastes 10:1 , Ecclesiastes 10:3 , Ecclesiastes 10:3 , Ecclesiastes 10:14 . in great dignity = in many high positions. read more

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