4 If a ruler's anger rises against you, do not leave your post; calmness can lay great offenses to rest. 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. 7 I have seen slaves on horseback, while princes go on foot like slaves. 8 Whoever digs a pit may fall into it; whoever breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake. 9 Whoever quarries stones may be injured by them; whoever splits logs may be endangered by them. 10 If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed, but skill will bring success.
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
4 If the anger of the ruler rises against you, do not leave your place, for calmness
4 If a ruler loses his temper against you, don't panic; A calm disposition quiets intemperate rage. 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. 7 I've seen unproven upstarts riding in style, While experienced veterans are put out to pasture. 8 Caution: The trap you set might catch you. Warning: Your accomplice in crime might double-cross you. 9 Safety first: Quarrying stones is dangerous. Be alert: Felling trees is hazardous. 10 Remember: The duller the ax the harder the work; Use your head: The more brains, the less muscle.
4 If the spirit of the ruler rises against you, Do not leave your post; For conciliation pacifies great offenses. 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. 7 I have seen servants on horses, While princes walk on the ground like servants. 8 He who digs a pit will fall into it, And whoever breaks through a wall will be bitten by a serpent. 9 He who quarries stones may be hurt by them, And he who splits wood may be endangered by it. 10 If the ax is dull, And one does not sharpen the edge, Then he must use more strength; But wisdom brings success.
4 If your boss is angry at you, don't quit! A quiet spirit can overcome even great mistakes. 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. 7 I have even seen servants riding horseback like princes-and princes walking like servants! 8 When you dig a well, you might fall in. When you demolish an old wall, you could be bitten by a snake. 9 When you work in a quarry, stones might fall and crush you. When you chop wood, there is danger with each stroke of your ax. 10 Using a dull ax requires great strength, so sharpen the blade. That's the value of wisdom; it helps you succeed.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 10:4-10
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.