Ecclesiastes 10:2

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 10:2

A wise man's heart is at his right hand ,.... This is not designed to express the direct position and situation of the heart of man, wise or foolish, which is the same in both; and which, according to anatomists, is in the middle of the body, inclining to the left side; but the understanding and wisdom of men, as Aben Ezra observes; which, with a wise man, is ready a hand to direct and assist him in any affair; and which under the influence of it, he goes about with great readiness and... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Ecclesiastes 10:2

A wise man's heart is at his right hand - As the right hand is ordinarily the best exercised, strongest, and most ready, and the left the contrary, they show, The command which the wise man has over his own mind, feelings, passions, etc., and the prudence with which he acts. And, 2. The want of prudence and management in the fool, who has no restraint on his passions, and no rule or guard upon his tongue. The right hand and the left are used in Scripture to express good and evil. The... 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 10:2

A wise man's heart is at his right hand; but a fool's heart at his left. There is here no reference to the classical use of right and left, as ominous of success and disaster, which is never found in the Old Testament. The right hand is the place of honor, the left of inferiority, as a matter of fact, not of superstition and luck. The symbolism is intimated in Christ's account of the judgment ( Matthew 25:31 , etc.). But in the present passage we should best paraphrase—The wise man's... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ecclesiastes 10:2-3

A tetrastich contrasting wisdom and 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

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 10:2

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

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