Ecclésiaste 10:1-3, Matthieu 5:22 BDS

The Pulpit Commentary - Ecclesiastes 10:2-3

A tetrastich contrasting wisdom and folly. read more

The Pulpit Commentary - Ecclesiastes 10:3

Yea, also, when he that is a fool walketh by the way. As soon as ever he sets his foot outside the house, and mixes with other men, he exhibits his folly. If he remained at home he might keep his real ineptitude concealed; but such persons as he are unconscious of their inanity, and take no pains to hide it; they go where, they act as, their foolish heart prompts them. There is no metaphor here, nor any reference to the fool being put in the right path and perversely turning away. It is... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Ecclesiastes 10:1

This verse is by its meaning so closely connected with Ecclesiastes 9:18 that the selection of it for the beginning of a new chapter seems unfortunate.Apothecary - Rather: a dealer in spices and perfumes (compare Exodus 30:25). The swarms of flies in the East very soon corrupt and destroy any moist unguent or mixture left uncovered, and pollute a dish of food in a few minutes.So doth ... - literally, more weighty than wisdom, than honor, is a little folly. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Ecclesiastes 10:2

The metaphor perhaps means “A wise man’s sense is in its place, ready to help and protect him; but a fool’s sense is missing when it is wanted, and so is useless.” read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Ecclesiastes 10:3

“Way” may be understood either literally (compare Ecclesiastes 10:15), or figuratively, of the course of action which he follows.He saith ... - He exposes his folly to every one he meets. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Ecclesiastes 10:1

Ecclesiastes 10:1. Dead flies, &c. Solomon seems in these words to be prosecuting what he had said in the last clause of the preceding chapter; showing how much good one foolish action may destroy, what evil may result from it, and how a man, otherwise famed for wisdom, may thereby lose his reputation. So most interpreters understand the verse. “The wiser or better,” says Bishop Patrick, “any man is, so much the more cautious ought he to be in all his words and actions, if he mean to... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Ecclesiastes 10:2-3

Ecclesiastes 10:2-3. A wise man’s heart is at his right hand His understanding or wisdom is always present with him, and ready to direct him in all his actions. He manages all his affairs prudently and piously. He mentions the right hand because that is the common instrument of action. But a fool’s heart is at his left His understanding and knowledge serve him only for idle speculation and vain ostentation, but is not useful or effectual to govern his affections and actions. Yea also,... 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 10:1

Dead flies. Hebrew flies of death: i.e. flies that bring or produce death. Supply the Figure of speech Ellipsis, "[as] dead". cause = [are that which will] cause, &c. to send forth a stinking savour = to stink [and] fer-ment. Figure of speech Hendiadys. App-6 . folly = stupidity. Hebrew. sakal. Same root as in Ecclesiastes 10:6 . See note on Proverbs 1:7 . him. Note the Figure of speech Ellipsis ( App-6 ) : "So doth stupidity [cause] him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Ecclesiastes 10:2

fool's = dullard's. Hebrew. kesil = fat, inert. Same word as in Ecclesiastes 10:12 . See note on Proverbs 1:7 . read more

The Pulpit Commentary - Ecclesiastes 10:2-3

The Pulpit Commentary - Ecclesiastes 10:3

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Ecclesiastes 10:1

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Ecclesiastes 10:2

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Ecclesiastes 10:3

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Ecclesiastes 10:1

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Ecclesiastes 10:2-3

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Ecclesiastes 10:1-20

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Ecclesiastes 10:1

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Ecclesiastes 10:2

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