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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Ecclesiastes 10:1-3

In these verses Solomon shows, I. What great need wise men have to take heed of being guilty of any instance of folly; for a little folly is a great blemish to him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour, and is as hurtful to his good name as dead flies are to a sweet perfume, not only spoiling the sweetness of it, but making it to send forth a stinking savour. Note, 1. True wisdom is true honour, and will gain a man a reputation, which is like a box of precious ointment, pleasing and very... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Ecclesiastes 10:3

Yea also, when he that is a fool walketh by the way ,.... The king's highway, the common road; as he passeth along the streets, going to any place, or about any business: his wisdom faileth him ; or "his heart" F16 לבו "cor ejus", Pagninus, Montanus, &c.; ; he appears by his gait, his manner of walking, to want a heart, to be a fool; walking with a froward mouth, winking with his eyes, speaking with his feet, and teaching with his fingers; all which shows the frowardness... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Ecclesiastes 10:3

When - a fool walketh by the way - In every act of life, and in every company he frequents, the irreligious man shows what he is. Vanity, nonsense, and wickedness are his themes: so that in effect he saith to every one that he is a fool. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ecclesiastes 10:1-3

Section 11. A little folly mars the effect of wisdom, and is sure to make itself conspicuous. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

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 10:3

“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 10:2-3

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 10:3

fool. Hebrew. sakal. Same word as in verses: Ecclesiastes 10:6 , Ecclesiastes 10:14 , not verses: Ecclesiastes 10:2 , Ecclesiastes 10:12 , Ecclesiastes 10:15 . wisdom = beart. saith = tells. See note on Proverbs 1:7 . he = he himself (emph.) read more

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