5 There is an evil I have seen under the sun, the sort of error that arises from a ruler: 6 Fools are put in many high positions, while the rich occupy the low ones.

Other Translations of Ecclesiastes 10:5-6

King James Version

5 There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, as an error which proceedeth from from: Heb. from before the ruler: 6 Folly is set in great in great...: Heb. in great heights dignity, and the rich sit in low place.

English Standard Version

5 There is an evil that I have seen under the sun, as it were an error proceeding from the ruler: 6 folly is set in many high places, and the rich sit in a low place.

The Message

5 Here's a piece of bad business I've seen on this earth, An error that can be blamed on whoever is in charge: 6 Immaturity is given a place of prominence, While maturity is made to take a back seat.

New King James Version

5 There is an evil I have seen under the sun, As an error proceeding from the ruler: 6 Folly is set in great dignity, While the rich sit in a lowly place.

New Living Translation

5 There is another evil I have seen under the sun. Kings and rulers make a grave mistake 6 when they give great authority to foolish people and low positions to people of proven worth.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 10:5-6

Commentary on Ecclesiastes 10:4-10

(Read Ecclesiastes 10:4-10)

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.