1 Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour: so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour.

2 A wise man's heart is at his right hand; but a fool's heart at his left.

3 Yea also, when he that is a fool walketh by the way, his wisdom faileth him, and he saith to every one that he is a fool.

4 If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great offences.

5 There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, as an error which proceedeth from the ruler:

6 Folly is set in great dignity, and the rich sit in low place.

7 I have seen servants upon horses, and princes walking as servants upon the earth.

8 He that diggeth a pit shall fall into it; and whoso breaketh an hedge, a serpent shall bite him.

9 Whoso removeth stones shall be hurt therewith; and he that cleaveth wood shall be endangered thereby.

10 If the iron be blunt, and he do not whet the edge, then must he put to more strength: but wisdom is profitable to direct.

11 Surely the serpent will bite without enchantment; and a babbler is no better.

12 The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself.

13 The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness: and the end of his talk is mischievous madness.

14 A fool also is full of words: a man cannot tell what shall be; and what shall be after him, who can tell him?

15 The labour of the foolish wearieth every one of them, because he knoweth not how to go to the city.

16 Woe to thee, O land, when thy king is a child, and thy princes eat in the morning!

17 Blessed art thou, O land, when thy king is the son of nobles, and thy princes eat in due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness!

18 By much slothfulness the building decayeth; and through idleness of the hands the house droppeth through.

19 A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry: but money answereth all things.

20 Curse not the king, no not in thy thought; and curse not the rich in thy bedchamber: for a bird of the air shall carry the voice, and that which hath wings shall tell the matter.

Commentary

Verse 1

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
To preserve a character for wisdom.
Those especially who make a profession of religion, should keep from all appearances of evil. A wise man has great advantage over a fool, who is always at a loss when he has anything to do. Sin is the reproach of sinners, wherever they go, and shows their folly.
McArther Bible Commentary
Solomon draws together assorted examples of the wisdom he has scrutinized and touted.
Bible Cross References
Exodus 30:25 Job 6:3

Verse 2

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
To preserve a character for wisdom.
Those especially who make a profession of religion, should keep from all appearances of evil. A wise man has great advantage over a fool, who is always at a loss when he has anything to do. Sin is the reproach of sinners, wherever they go, and shows their folly.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Heart - His understanding is always present with him and ready to direct him. He mentions the right hand, because that is the common instrument of action. A fool's - His understanding is not effectual to govern his affections and actions.
McArther Bible Commentary
right … left. This proverb is based on the fact that, commonly, the right hand is more deft than the left.
Bible Cross References
Matthew 6:33 Matthew 25:33 Colossians 3:1

Verse 3

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
To preserve a character for wisdom.
Those especially who make a profession of religion, should keep from all appearances of evil. A wise man has great advantage over a fool, who is always at a loss when he has anything to do. Sin is the reproach of sinners, wherever they go, and shows their folly.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Walketh - In his daily conversation. He saith - He discovers his folly to all that meet him.
McArther Bible Commentary
fool. See note on Ecc 2:14. walks. A person lacking wisdom will manifest that in daily conduct.
Bible Cross References
Proverbs 13:16 Proverbs 18:2

Verse 4

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Respecting subjects and rulers.
Solomon appears to caution men not to seek redress in a hasty manner, nor to yield to pride and revenge. Do not, in a passion, quit thy post of duty; wait awhile, and thou wilt find that yielding pacifies great offences. Men are not preferred according to their merit. And those are often most forward to offer help, who are least aware of the difficulties, or the consequences. The same remark is applied to the church, or the body of Christ, that all the members should have the same care one for another.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
The spirit - The passion. Leave not - In anger or discontent. Continue in a diligent and faithful discharge of thy duty, and modestly and humbly submit to him. Yielding - A gentle and submissive carriage.
Bible Cross References
1 Samuel 25:24 Proverbs 15:18 Proverbs 25:15 Ecclesiastes 8:3 Ecclesiastes 10:5

Verse 5

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Respecting subjects and rulers.
Solomon appears to caution men not to seek redress in a hasty manner, nor to yield to pride and revenge. Do not, in a passion, quit thy post of duty; wait awhile, and thou wilt find that yielding pacifies great offences. Men are not preferred according to their merit. And those are often most forward to offer help, who are least aware of the difficulties, or the consequences. The same remark is applied to the church, or the body of Christ, that all the members should have the same care one for another.
McArther Bible Commentary
It is a great and far-reaching evil when leaders make bad judgments.
Bible Cross References
Proverbs 28:12 Ecclesiastes 10:4 Ecclesiastes 10:6

Verse 6

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Respecting subjects and rulers.
Solomon appears to caution men not to seek redress in a hasty manner, nor to yield to pride and revenge. Do not, in a passion, quit thy post of duty; wait awhile, and thou wilt find that yielding pacifies great offences. Men are not preferred according to their merit. And those are often most forward to offer help, who are least aware of the difficulties, or the consequences. The same remark is applied to the church, or the body of Christ, that all the members should have the same care one for another.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
The rich - Wise and worthy men, rich in endowments of mind.
McArther Bible Commentary
the rich … princes. Life presents some strange ironies and is not, in this world, always fair.
Bible Cross References
Esther 3:1 Esther 3:5 Proverbs 19:10 Proverbs 28:12 Proverbs 29:2 Ecclesiastes 10:5

Verse 7

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Respecting subjects and rulers.
Solomon appears to caution men not to seek redress in a hasty manner, nor to yield to pride and revenge. Do not, in a passion, quit thy post of duty; wait awhile, and thou wilt find that yielding pacifies great offences. Men are not preferred according to their merit. And those are often most forward to offer help, who are least aware of the difficulties, or the consequences. The same remark is applied to the church, or the body of Christ, that all the members should have the same care one for another.
Bible Cross References
Esther 6:8 Proverbs 19:10 Proverbs 30:22

Verse 8

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Respecting subjects and rulers.
Solomon appears to caution men not to seek redress in a hasty manner, nor to yield to pride and revenge. Do not, in a passion, quit thy post of duty; wait awhile, and thou wilt find that yielding pacifies great offences. Men are not preferred according to their merit. And those are often most forward to offer help, who are least aware of the difficulties, or the consequences. The same remark is applied to the church, or the body of Christ, that all the members should have the same care one for another.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
An hedge - Whereby another man's fields or vineyards are distinguished, that he may either take away their fruits, or enlarge his own fields.
McArther Bible Commentary
digs … does not sharpen. Dangers and uncertainties abound in life.
Bible Cross References
Psalm 7:15 Psalm 57:6 Proverbs 11:6 Proverbs 26:27 Ecclesiastes 10:9 Amos 5:19

Verse 9

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Respecting subjects and rulers.
Solomon appears to caution men not to seek redress in a hasty manner, nor to yield to pride and revenge. Do not, in a passion, quit thy post of duty; wait awhile, and thou wilt find that yielding pacifies great offences. Men are not preferred according to their merit. And those are often most forward to offer help, who are least aware of the difficulties, or the consequences. The same remark is applied to the church, or the body of Christ, that all the members should have the same care one for another.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Whoso removeth - Stones too heavy for them: who rashly attempts things too high and hard for them.
Bible Cross References
Ecclesiastes 10:8 Ecclesiastes 10:10

Verse 10

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Respecting subjects and rulers.
Solomon appears to caution men not to seek redress in a hasty manner, nor to yield to pride and revenge. Do not, in a passion, quit thy post of duty; wait awhile, and thou wilt find that yielding pacifies great offences. Men are not preferred according to their merit. And those are often most forward to offer help, who are least aware of the difficulties, or the consequences. The same remark is applied to the church, or the body of Christ, that all the members should have the same care one for another.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Wisdom - As wisdom instructs a man in the smallest matters, so it is useful for a man's direction in all weighty affairs.
McArther Bible Commentary
wisdom brings success. A little wisdom will ease the efforts of life. Even though life's experiences often don't turn out the way one would have hoped, wise living usually produces a good outcome. This is an important conclusion for Solomon's testing of wisdom.
Bible Cross References
Deuteronomy 32:41 Ecclesiastes 2:13 Ecclesiastes 10:9 Ecclesiastes 10:11

Verse 11

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Of foolish talk.
There is a practice in the East, of charming serpents by music. The babbler's tongue is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison; and contradiction only makes it the more violent. We must find the way to keep him gentle. But by rash, unprincipled, or slanderous talk, he brings open or secret vengeance upon himself. Would we duly consider our own ignorance as to future events, it would cut off many idle words which we foolishly multiply. Fools toil a great deal to no purpose. They do not understand the plainest things, such as the entrance into a great city. But it is the excellency of the way to the heavenly city, that it is a high-way, in which the simplest wayfaring men shall not err, (Isaiah 25:8). But sinful folly makes men miss that only way to happiness.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Without - If not prevented by the art and care of the charmer; which practice he does not justify, but only mentions by way of resemblance.
Bible Cross References
James 3:8 Psalm 58:4 Psalm 58:5 Ecclesiastes 10:10 Jeremiah 8:17

Verse 12

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Of foolish talk.
There is a practice in the East, of charming serpents by music. The babbler's tongue is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison; and contradiction only makes it the more violent. We must find the way to keep him gentle. But by rash, unprincipled, or slanderous talk, he brings open or secret vengeance upon himself. Would we duly consider our own ignorance as to future events, it would cut off many idle words which we foolishly multiply. Fools toil a great deal to no purpose. They do not understand the plainest things, such as the entrance into a great city. But it is the excellency of the way to the heavenly city, that it is a high-way, in which the simplest wayfaring men shall not err, (Isaiah 25:8). But sinful folly makes men miss that only way to happiness.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Gracious - Procure him favour with those who hear him.
McArther Bible Commentary
words. Man demonstrates wisdom in words as well as works. Foolish words yield unfavorable outcomes.
Bible Cross References
Luke 4:22 Ephesians 4:29 Proverbs 10:14 Proverbs 10:32 Proverbs 18:7 Proverbs 22:11 Ecclesiastes 4:5 Ecclesiastes 9:17 Ecclesiastes 12:11

Verse 13

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Of foolish talk.
There is a practice in the East, of charming serpents by music. The babbler's tongue is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison; and contradiction only makes it the more violent. We must find the way to keep him gentle. But by rash, unprincipled, or slanderous talk, he brings open or secret vengeance upon himself. Would we duly consider our own ignorance as to future events, it would cut off many idle words which we foolishly multiply. Fools toil a great deal to no purpose. They do not understand the plainest things, such as the entrance into a great city. But it is the excellency of the way to the heavenly city, that it is a high-way, in which the simplest wayfaring men shall not err, (Isaiah 25:8). But sinful folly makes men miss that only way to happiness.
Bible Cross References
Ecclesiastes 7:25 Ecclesiastes 10:14

Verse 14

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Of foolish talk.
There is a practice in the East, of charming serpents by music. The babbler's tongue is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison; and contradiction only makes it the more violent. We must find the way to keep him gentle. But by rash, unprincipled, or slanderous talk, he brings open or secret vengeance upon himself. Would we duly consider our own ignorance as to future events, it would cut off many idle words which we foolishly multiply. Fools toil a great deal to no purpose. They do not understand the plainest things, such as the entrance into a great city. But it is the excellency of the way to the heavenly city, that it is a high-way, in which the simplest wayfaring men shall not err, (Isaiah 25:8). But sinful folly makes men miss that only way to happiness.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Full of words - Forward to promise and boast what he will do, whereas none can be sure of future events, even during his own life, much more after his death.
Bible Cross References
Proverbs 15:2 Ecclesiastes 3:22 Ecclesiastes 5:3 Ecclesiastes 6:12 Ecclesiastes 7:14 Ecclesiastes 8:7 Ecclesiastes 9:1 Ecclesiastes 10:15

Verse 15

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Of foolish talk.
There is a practice in the East, of charming serpents by music. The babbler's tongue is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison; and contradiction only makes it the more violent. We must find the way to keep him gentle. But by rash, unprincipled, or slanderous talk, he brings open or secret vengeance upon himself. Would we duly consider our own ignorance as to future events, it would cut off many idle words which we foolishly multiply. Fools toil a great deal to no purpose. They do not understand the plainest things, such as the entrance into a great city. But it is the excellency of the way to the heavenly city, that it is a high-way, in which the simplest wayfaring men shall not err, (Isaiah 25:8). But sinful folly makes men miss that only way to happiness.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Wearieth - Fools discover their folly by their wearisome and fruitless endeavours after things which are too high for them. Because - He is ignorant of those things which are most easy, as of the way to the great city whither he is going.
McArther Bible Commentary
to go to the city. A proverb about ignorance with regard to the most ordinary matters, which extends even to spiritual realities. If a fool can't find the town, how could he possibly locate God?
Bible Cross References
Ecclesiastes 10:14 Ecclesiastes 10:16

Verse 16

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Duties of rulers and subjects.
The happiness of a land depends on the character of its rulers. The people cannot be happy when their princes are childish, and lovers of pleasure. Slothfulness is of ill consequence both to private and public affairs. Money, of itself, will neither feed nor clothe, though it answers the occasions of this present life, as what is to be had, may generally be had for money. But the soul, as it is not redeemed, so it is not maintained with corruptible things, as silver and gold. God sees what men do, and hears what they say in secret; and, when he pleases, brings it to light by strange and unsuspected ways. If there be hazard in secret thoughts and whispers against earthly rulers, what must be the peril from every deed, word, or thought of rebellion against the King of kings, and Lord of lords! He seeth in secret. His ear is ever open. Sinner! curse not THIS KING in thy inmost thought. Your curses cannot affect Him; but his curse, coming down upon you, will sink you to the lowest hell.
EGW SDA Bible Commentary
. See EGW on ch. 1:14.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
A child - Either in age, or childish qualities. Eat - Give up themselves to eating and drinking. Morning - The fittest time for God's service, for the dispatch of weighty affairs, and for sitting in judgment.
Bible Cross References
Proverbs 28:16 Ecclesiastes 10:15 Isaiah 3:4 Isaiah 3:12 Isaiah 5:11

Verse 17

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Duties of rulers and subjects.
The happiness of a land depends on the character of its rulers. The people cannot be happy when their princes are childish, and lovers of pleasure. Slothfulness is of ill consequence both to private and public affairs. Money, of itself, will neither feed nor clothe, though it answers the occasions of this present life, as what is to be had, may generally be had for money. But the soul, as it is not redeemed, so it is not maintained with corruptible things, as silver and gold. God sees what men do, and hears what they say in secret; and, when he pleases, brings it to light by strange and unsuspected ways. If there be hazard in secret thoughts and whispers against earthly rulers, what must be the peril from every deed, word, or thought of rebellion against the King of kings, and Lord of lords! He seeth in secret. His ear is ever open. Sinner! curse not THIS KING in thy inmost thought. Your curses cannot affect Him; but his curse, coming down upon you, will sink you to the lowest hell.
EGW SDA Bible Commentary
. See EGW on ch. 1:14.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Nobles - Not so much by birth, as by their noble dispositions.
Bible Cross References
Proverbs 31:4 Isaiah 5:11

Verse 18

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Duties of rulers and subjects.
The happiness of a land depends on the character of its rulers. The people cannot be happy when their princes are childish, and lovers of pleasure. Slothfulness is of ill consequence both to private and public affairs. Money, of itself, will neither feed nor clothe, though it answers the occasions of this present life, as what is to be had, may generally be had for money. But the soul, as it is not redeemed, so it is not maintained with corruptible things, as silver and gold. God sees what men do, and hears what they say in secret; and, when he pleases, brings it to light by strange and unsuspected ways. If there be hazard in secret thoughts and whispers against earthly rulers, what must be the peril from every deed, word, or thought of rebellion against the King of kings, and Lord of lords! He seeth in secret. His ear is ever open. Sinner! curse not THIS KING in thy inmost thought. Your curses cannot affect Him; but his curse, coming down upon you, will sink you to the lowest hell.
EGW SDA Bible Commentary
. See EGW on ch. 1:14.
McArther Bible Commentary
the building … the house. This is likely an analogy for the kingdom of a lazy monarch.
Bible Cross References
Proverbs 12:24 Proverbs 24:30

Verse 19

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Duties of rulers and subjects.
The happiness of a land depends on the character of its rulers. The people cannot be happy when their princes are childish, and lovers of pleasure. Slothfulness is of ill consequence both to private and public affairs. Money, of itself, will neither feed nor clothe, though it answers the occasions of this present life, as what is to be had, may generally be had for money. But the soul, as it is not redeemed, so it is not maintained with corruptible things, as silver and gold. God sees what men do, and hears what they say in secret; and, when he pleases, brings it to light by strange and unsuspected ways. If there be hazard in secret thoughts and whispers against earthly rulers, what must be the peril from every deed, word, or thought of rebellion against the King of kings, and Lord of lords! He seeth in secret. His ear is ever open. Sinner! curse not THIS KING in thy inmost thought. Your curses cannot affect Him; but his curse, coming down upon you, will sink you to the lowest hell.
EGW SDA Bible Commentary
. See EGW on ch. 1:14.
McArther Bible Commentary
money answers everything. The partying king of verse Ecc 10:18 thinks he can fix all the disasters of his inept reign by raising taxes.
Bible Cross References
Judges 9:13 Psalm 104:15 Ecclesiastes 2:3 Ecclesiastes 7:12

Verse 20

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Duties of rulers and subjects.
The happiness of a land depends on the character of its rulers. The people cannot be happy when their princes are childish, and lovers of pleasure. Slothfulness is of ill consequence both to private and public affairs. Money, of itself, will neither feed nor clothe, though it answers the occasions of this present life, as what is to be had, may generally be had for money. But the soul, as it is not redeemed, so it is not maintained with corruptible things, as silver and gold. God sees what men do, and hears what they say in secret; and, when he pleases, brings it to light by strange and unsuspected ways. If there be hazard in secret thoughts and whispers against earthly rulers, what must be the peril from every deed, word, or thought of rebellion against the King of kings, and Lord of lords! He seeth in secret. His ear is ever open. Sinner! curse not THIS KING in thy inmost thought. Your curses cannot affect Him; but his curse, coming down upon you, will sink you to the lowest hell.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Thy thought - In the most secret manner. The rich - Princes or governors. A bird - The king will hear of it by unknown and unsuspected hands, as if a bird had heard and carried the report of it.
Bible Cross References
Luke 12:3 Acts 23:5 Exodus 8:3 Exodus 22:28 2 Kings 6:12