Ecclesiastes 10
A little folly outweighs wisdom, like a dead fly spoils perfume. The fool multiplies words. A snake may bite the charmer.
EcclesiastesChapter 10 of 1220 versesBerean Standard Bible
Read Ecclesiastes 10 and keep notes on it in Doxa's Daily Faith Steps.
As dead flies bring a stench to the perfumer’s oil, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor.
A wise man’s heart inclines to the right, but the heart of a fool to the left.
Even as the fool walks along the road, his sense is lacking, and he shows everyone that he is a fool.
If the ruler’s temper flares against you, do not abandon your post, for calmness lays great offenses to rest.
There is an evil I have seen under the sun—an error that proceeds from the ruler:
Folly is appointed to great heights, but the rich sit in lowly positions.
I have seen slaves on horseback, while princes go on foot like slaves.
He who digs a pit may fall into it, and he who breaches a wall may be bitten by a snake.
The one who quarries stones may be injured by them, and he who splits logs endangers himself.
If the axe is dull and the blade unsharpened, more strength must be exerted, but skill produces success.
If the snake bites before it is charmed, there is no profit for the charmer.
The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool consume him.
The beginning of his talk is folly, and the end of his speech is evil madness.
Yet the fool multiplies words. No one knows what is coming, and who can tell him what will come after him?
The toil of a fool wearies him, for he does not know the way to the city.
Woe to you, O land whose king is a youth, and whose princes feast in the morning.
Blessed are you, O land whose king is a son of nobles, and whose princes feast at the proper time—for strength and not for drunkenness.
Through laziness the roof caves in, and in the hands of the idle, the house leaks.
A feast is prepared for laughter, and wine makes life merry, but money is the answer for everything.
Do not curse the king even in your thoughts, or curse the rich even in your bedroom, for a bird of the air may carry your words, and a winged creature may report your speech.
Read next
How to Hear God’s Voice: A Practical Guide for BelieversScripture is the record of a God who speaks. This guide covers how to hear Him today and keep what He says.Cross-references for Ecclesiastes 10
Ecclesiastes 10:4Proverbs 25:15
“Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.”
Ecclesiastes 10:4Ecclesiastes 8:3
“Do not hasten to leave his presence, and do not persist in a bad cause, for he will do whatever he pleases.”
Ecclesiastes 10:8Proverbs 26:27
“He who digs a pit will fall into it, and he who rolls a stone will have it roll back on him.”
Ecclesiastes 10:12Colossians 4:6
“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
““Brothers,” Paul replied, “I was not aware that he was the high priest, for it is written: ‘Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people.’””
Cross-references from OpenBible.info, licensed CC BY.
Have a question about Ecclesiastes 10?
On Doxa, you can have a personal interaction about any scripture. Ask questions, explore context, and discover connections.
Real stories about these themes
Read testimonies from real people connected to what you're reading.
Explore Related Topics
Keep notes on Ecclesiastes 10
In the Doxa app, a note on any verse is kept as a step in Daily Faith Steps and shows beside that verse each time you read it again, in any translation.
