Ecclesiastes 10:4
Ecclesiastes 10:4 in Multiple Translations
If the ruler’s temper flares against you, do not abandon your post, for calmness lays great offenses to rest.
If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great offences.
If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for gentleness allayeth great offences.
If the wrath of the ruler is against you, keep in your place; in him who keeps quiet even great sins may be overlooked.
If your superior gets angry with you, don't give up and leave. If you stay calm even bad mistakes can be resolved.
If the spirite of him that ruleth, rise vp against thee, leaue not thy place: for gentlenes pacifieth great sinnes.
If the spirit of the ruler go up against thee, Thy place leave not, For yielding quieteth great sinners.
If the spirit of the ruler rises up against you, don’t leave your place; for gentleness lays great offenses to rest.
If the spirit of the ruler riseth against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great offenses.
If the spirit of him that hath power, ascend upon thee, leave not thy place: because care will make the greatest sins to cease.
Do not quit working for a ruler when he is angry with you; if you remain calm, he will probably stop being angry.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ecclesiastes 10:4
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Ecclesiastes 10:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אִם
ר֤וּחַ
הַ/מּוֹשֵׁל֙
תַּעֲלֶ֣ה
עָלֶ֔י/ךָ
מְקוֹמְ/ךָ֖
אַל
תַּנַּ֑ח
כִּ֣י
מַרְפֵּ֔א
יַנִּ֖יחַ
חֲטָאִ֥ים
גְּדוֹלִֽים
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
ר֤וּחַ
rûwach
H7307
spirit
N-cs
הַ/מּוֹשֵׁל֙
mâshal
H4910
to rule
Art | V-Qal
תַּעֲלֶ֣ה
ʻâlâh
H5927
to ascend
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
עָלֶ֔י/ךָ
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
מְקוֹמְ/ךָ֖
mâqôwm
H4725
place
N-ms | Suff
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
תַּנַּ֑ח
yânach
H3240
to rest
V-Hiphil-Juss-2ms
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
מַרְפֵּ֔א
marpêʼ
H4832
healing
N-ms
יַנִּ֖יחַ
yânach
H3240
to rest
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
חֲטָאִ֥ים
chêṭᵉʼ
H2399
sin
N-mp
גְּדוֹלִֽים
gâdôwl
H1419
Great (Sea)
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ecclesiastes 10:4
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
ר֤וּחַ
rûwach
H7307
"spirit"
N-cs
In the Bible, this word for spirit refers to the breath of life, the wind, or a person's mind and emotions, as seen in the book of Ezekiel.
Definition: : spirit 1) wind, breath, mind, spirit 1a) breath 1b) wind 1b1) of heaven 1b2) quarter (of wind), side 1b3) breath of air 1b4) air, gas 1b5) vain, empty thing 1c) spirit (as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation) 1c1) spirit, animation, vivacity, vigour 1c2) courage 1c3) temper, anger 1c4) impatience, patience 1c5) spirit, disposition (as troubled, bitter, discontented) 1c6) disposition (of various kinds), unaccountable or uncontrollable impulse 1c7) prophetic spirit 1d) spirit (of the living, breathing being in man and animals) 1d1) as gift, preserved by God, God's spirit, departing at death, disembodied being 1e) spirit (as seat of emotion) 1e1) desire 1e2) sorrow, trouble 1f) spirit 1f1) as seat or organ of mental acts 1f2) rarely of the will 1f3) as seat especially of moral character 1g) Spirit of God, the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son 1g1) as inspiring ecstatic state of prophecy 1g2) as impelling prophet to utter instruction or warning 1g3) imparting warlike energy and executive and administrative power 1g4) as endowing men with various gifts 1g5) as energy of life 1g6) as manifest in the Shekinah glory 1g7) never referred to as a depersonalised force
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: air, anger, blast, breath, [idiom] cool, courage, mind, [idiom] quarter, [idiom] side, spirit(-ual), tempest, [idiom] vain, (whirl-) wind(-y). See also: Genesis 1:2; Job 6:26; Psalms 1:4.
הַ/מּוֹשֵׁל֙
mâshal
H4910
"to rule"
Art | V-Qal
To rule means to have power over something or someone, like a king ruling his kingdom, as seen in 1 Samuel. It involves having control and making decisions, like a leader guiding their people. In the Bible, God rules over all things.
Definition: 1) to rule, have dominion, reign 1a) (Qal) to rule, have dominion 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to rule 1b2) to exercise dominion
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: (have, make to have) dominion, governor, [idiom] indeed, reign, (bear, cause to, have) rule(-ing, -r), have power. See also: Genesis 1:18; Proverbs 16:32; Psalms 8:7.
תַּעֲלֶ֣ה
ʻâlâh
H5927
"to ascend"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.
Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself
Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.
עָלֶ֔י/ךָ
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
מְקוֹמְ/ךָ֖
mâqôwm
H4725
"place"
N-ms | Suff
Maqom means a place or location, like a city or a region. It can also refer to a condition of the body or mind. This term is used to describe a wide range of locations and situations.
Definition: 1) standing place, place 1a) standing place, station, post, office 1b) place, place of human abode 1c) city, land, region 1d) place, locality, spot 1e) space, room, distance 1f) region, quarter, direction 1g) give place to, instead of
Usage: Occurs in 379 OT verses. KJV: country, [idiom] home, [idiom] open, place, room, space, [idiom] whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 1:9; Deuteronomy 12:3; 1 Kings 20:24.
אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תַּנַּ֑ח
yânach
H3240
"to rest"
V-Hiphil-Juss-2ms
To rest or settle down, implying a sense of calmness or stillness, as described in the Bible.
Definition: 1) to rest 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to rest, settle down and remain 1a2) to repose, have rest, be quiet 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to rest, give rest to, make quiet 1b2) to cause to rest, cause to alight, set down 1b3) to lay or set down, deposit, let lie, place 1b4) to let remain, leave 1b5) to leave, depart from 1b6) to abandon 1b7) to permit 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to obtain rest, be granted rest 1c2) to be left, be placed 1c3) open space (subst)
Usage: Occurs in 73 OT verses. KJV: bestow, cast down, lay (down, up), leave (off), let alone (remain), pacify, place, put, set (down), suffer, withdraw, withhold. (The Hiphil forms with the dagesh are here referred to, in accordance with the older grammarians; but if any distinction of the kind is to be made, these should rather be referred to H5117 (נוּחַ), and the others here.) See also: Genesis 2:15; 1 Kings 13:30; Psalms 17:14.
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
מַרְפֵּ֔א
marpêʼ
H4832
"healing"
N-ms
Means healing or a cure, like medicine. It can also mean deliverance or a state of being calm and peaceful. This word is used in the Bible to describe physical and emotional healing.
Definition: 1) health, healing, cure 1a) healing, cure 1b) health, profit, sound (of mind) 1c) healing 1c1) incurable (with negative)
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: (in-)cure(-able), healing(-lth), remedy, sound, wholesome, yielding. See also: 2 Chronicles 21:18; Proverbs 15:4; Proverbs 4:22.
יַנִּ֖יחַ
yânach
H3240
"to rest"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
To rest or settle down, implying a sense of calmness or stillness, as described in the Bible.
Definition: 1) to rest 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to rest, settle down and remain 1a2) to repose, have rest, be quiet 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to rest, give rest to, make quiet 1b2) to cause to rest, cause to alight, set down 1b3) to lay or set down, deposit, let lie, place 1b4) to let remain, leave 1b5) to leave, depart from 1b6) to abandon 1b7) to permit 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to obtain rest, be granted rest 1c2) to be left, be placed 1c3) open space (subst)
Usage: Occurs in 73 OT verses. KJV: bestow, cast down, lay (down, up), leave (off), let alone (remain), pacify, place, put, set (down), suffer, withdraw, withhold. (The Hiphil forms with the dagesh are here referred to, in accordance with the older grammarians; but if any distinction of the kind is to be made, these should rather be referred to H5117 (נוּחַ), and the others here.) See also: Genesis 2:15; 1 Kings 13:30; Psalms 17:14.
חֲטָאִ֥ים
chêṭᵉʼ
H2399
"sin"
N-mp
Sin refers to a crime or its punishment, including guilt and offense. It is the result of missing the mark or going wrong, and can have serious consequences.
Definition: 1) sin 1a) sin 1b) guilt for sin 1c) punishment for sin Aramaic equivalent: cha.ti (חֲטָי "sin" H2408)
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: fault, [idiom] grievously, offence, (punishment of) sin. See also: Genesis 41:9; 2 Kings 10:29; Psalms 51:7.
גְּדוֹלִֽים
gâdôwl
H1419
"Great (Sea)"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means something or someone great, whether in size, age, or importance. It appears in descriptions of the Great Sea and the Philistines. The word is used to convey a sense of magnitude or grandeur.
Definition: adj great Also named: pe.lish.ti (פְּלִשְׁתִּי "(Sea of the )Philistines" H6430I)
Usage: Occurs in 499 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, elder(-est), [phrase] exceeding(-ly), [phrase] far, (man of) great (man, matter, thing,-er,-ness), high, long, loud, mighty, more, much, noble, proud thing, [idiom] sore, ([idiom]) very. See also: Genesis 1:16; Joshua 7:26; 1 Kings 20:13.
Study Notes — Ecclesiastes 10:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ecclesiastes 10:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 10:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 10:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 10:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 10:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 10:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 10:4
- Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 10:4
- Barnes' Notes on Ecclesiastes 10:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 10:4
- Sermons on Ecclesiastes 10:4
Context — Wisdom and Folly
2A wise man’s heart inclines to the right, but the heart of a fool to the left.
3Even as the fool walks along the road, his sense is lacking, and he shows everyone that he is a fool.
4If the ruler’s temper flares against you, do not abandon your post, for calmness lays great offenses to rest.
5There is an evil I have seen under the sun— an error that proceeds from the ruler: 6Folly is appointed to great heights, but the rich sit in lowly positions.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 25:15 | Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone. |
| 2 | Ecclesiastes 8:3 | Do not hasten to leave his presence, and do not persist in a bad cause, for he will do whatever he pleases. |
| 3 | 1 Samuel 25:24–44 | She fell at his feet and said, “My lord, may the blame be on me alone, but please let your servant speak to you; hear the words of your servant. My lord should pay no attention to this scoundrel Nabal, for he lives up to his name: His name means Fool, and folly accompanies him. I, your servant, did not see my lord’s young men whom you sent. Now, my lord, as surely as the LORD lives and you yourself live, the LORD has held you back from coming to bloodshed and avenging yourself with your own hand. May your enemies and those who seek harm for my lord be like Nabal. Now let this gift your servant has brought to my lord be given to the young men who follow you. Please forgive your servant’s offense, for the LORD will surely make a lasting dynasty for my lord, because he fights the LORD’s battles. May no evil be found in you as long as you live. And should someone pursue you and seek your life, then the life of my lord will be bound securely by the LORD your God in the bundle of the living. But He shall fling away the lives of your enemies like stones from a sling. When the LORD has done for my lord all the good He promised, and when He has appointed you ruler over Israel, then my lord will have no remorse or guilt of conscience over needless bloodshed and revenge. And when the LORD has dealt well with my lord, may you remember your maidservant.” Then David said to Abigail, “Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who sent you to meet me this day! Blessed is your discernment, and blessed are you, because today you kept me from bloodshed and from avenging myself by my own hand. Otherwise, as surely as the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, who has restrained me from harming you, if you had not come quickly to meet me, then surely no male belonging to Nabal would have been left alive by morning light.” Then David accepted from her hand what she had brought him, and he said to her, “Go home in peace. See, I have heeded your voice and granted your request.” When Abigail returned to Nabal, there he was in the house, holding a feast fit for a king, in high spirits and very drunk. So she told him nothing until morning light. In the morning when Nabal was sober, his wife told him about these events, and his heart failed within him and he became like a stone. About ten days later, the LORD struck Nabal dead. On hearing that Nabal was dead, David said, “Blessed be the LORD, who has upheld my cause against the reproach of Nabal and has restrained His servant from evil. For the LORD has brought the wickedness of Nabal down upon his own head.” Then David sent word to Abigail, asking for her in marriage. When his servants came to Abigail at Carmel, they said, “David has sent us to take you as his wife.” She arose, then bowed facedown and said, “Here is your maidservant, ready to serve and to wash the feet of my lord’s servants.” So Abigail hurried and got on a donkey, and attended by five of her maidens, she followed David’s messengers and became his wife. David had also married Ahinoam of Jezreel. So she and Abigail were both his wives. But Saul had given his daughter Michal, David’s wife, to Palti son of Laish, who was from Gallim. |
Ecclesiastes 10:4 Summary
This verse is telling us that if someone in charge gets angry with us, we shouldn't just give up or quit, but instead stay calm and do our job. This is because calmness can help to resolve conflicts and make things better, as we see in Proverbs 15:1. By staying calm, we can trust that God is in control and will work everything out for our good, as Romans 8:28 reminds us. We can apply this principle to our everyday lives by taking a deep breath, counting to ten, and trusting God to guide us in difficult situations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my boss or someone in authority gets angry with me?
According to Ecclesiastes 10:4, we should not abandon our post or position, but instead remain calm, for calmness can lay great offenses to rest, as also seen in Proverbs 15:1 where a soft answer turns away wrath.
Is it ever okay to stand up for myself if someone in authority is being unfair?
While it's natural to want to defend ourselves, Ecclesiastes 10:4 advises against reacting impulsively, instead encouraging calmness, which is also reflected in James 1:19-20, where we are told to be slow to speak and quick to listen.
How can calmness really make a difference in a tense situation?
Calmness can diffuse tension and prevent further conflict, as seen in Ecclesiastes 10:4, and is also reflected in Psalm 37:7, where we are told to rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him, trusting in His sovereignty.
What if the ruler or person in authority is being unreasonable or unjust?
Even in such situations, Ecclesiastes 10:4 encourages us to remain calm and not abandon our post, trusting that God is sovereign and will ultimately bring justice, as seen in Romans 12:19, where we are told not to take revenge, but to leave room for God's wrath.
Reflection Questions
- How do I respond when someone in authority gets angry with me - do I react impulsively or remain calm?
- What are some ways I can practice calmness in the face of adversity or tension, and how can I trust God in those moments?
- Can I think of a time when calmness helped to resolve a difficult situation, and what can I learn from that experience?
- How can I apply the principle of calmness in my relationships, both at home and at work, and what Bible verses can I use to guide me?
Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 10:4
If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee,.... The wrath of the civil magistrate, the chief ruler of the land, the sovereign prince or king, to whom men are and should be subject: if his wrath
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 10:4
If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great offences.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 10:4
The spirit; the passion or wrath, as is manifest from the following words, which is oft called spirit, as . Leave not thy place, to wit, in anger or discontent. Withdraw not thyself rashly and hastily from his presence and service, according to the advice, . Continue in a diligent and faithful discharge of thy duty, as becomes a subject; do not return anger for anger, but modestly and humbly submit thyself to him. Yielding, Heb. healing; a gentle and submissive carriage, which is of a healing nature; whereas pride and passion do exasperate and widen the breach already made. Pacifieth, Heb. maketh them to rest or cease; preventeth or removeth them. Great offences, Heb. great sins; either, 1. Such sins as the offended ruler might commit in the prosecution of his wrath against thee. Or rather, 2. Such as possibly thou hast committed against him, for which he is incensed against thee; or the greatest offences or injuries that one man commits against another, and much more those slight miscarriages of thine towards the ruler.
Let not therefore a false opinion concerning his unreconcilableness to thee make thee desperate, and draw thee into rebellion.
Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 10:4
Ecclesiastes 10:4 If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great offences.Ver. 4. If the spirit of thy ruler rise up, &c., leave not thy place.] Thine office, duty, and obedience; a metaphor from military matters. A soldier must not start from his station, but keep to the place assigned him by his captain; so here, “ Perdidit arma, locum virtutis descruit, &c. ” - Horat. Others render it, "Do not persist in thy place," do not stand to affront anger, but go aside a little out of sight, as Jonathan, when his father had thrown a javelin at him, went forth shooting. For yielding pacifieth great offences.] Thus by yielding David pacified Saul; Abigail, David. See Proverbs 25:15. Salve the wound and save thyself. The weak reed, by bending in a rough wind, receiveth no hurt, when the sturdy oak is turned up by the roots. Ne λειποπακτες audiat.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 10:4
(4) We return now to the thought of Ecc 8:3. For “spirit” in the sense of “anger,” see Judges 8:3. Rise up.—Psalms 78:21; 2 Samuel 11:20. Yielding.—Literally, healing. (See Proverbs 15:4.) Pacifieth great offences.—Rather, probably, quieteth great offences, that is to say, not so much “puts an end to the offence felt by the ruler,” as to the offences likely to be committed if he do not restrain himself.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 10:4
Verse 4. If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee] If the king get incensed against thee. Leave not thy place] Humble thyself before him, that is thy place and duty; for yielding to him, and not standing stoutly in thy defence, pacifieth great offenses: and then, when his anger is appeased, he will hear any thing in thy justification, if thou have any thing to offer. This is good advice to a child in reference to his parents, and to an inferior of any kind in reference to his superiors. Several of the fathers understood this differently, If the spirit of the ruler - the influence of Satan - hath risen up against and prevailed over thee, to bring thee into some sin; leave not thy place - do not despair of God's mercy; humble thyself before him, and seek pardon through the Son of his love, and this will be מרפא marpe, a remedy or cure even for חטאים גדולים chataim gedolim, great errors or sins. All this is true in itself, whether found in this text or not.
Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 10:4
4. If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee] To the picture of the boastful self-assertion of the fool is appended as a contrast, that of the self-effacement of the wise. The scene brought before us is that of a statesman, or minister, whose advice runs counter to that of the ruler. The “spirit,” what we should call the “temper,” of the latter “rises up” against the former. What shall the adviser do? His natural impulse is to “leave his place,” i. e. either to cut short his interview, or, resign his office. He won’t be slighted, will not put up with contradiction. That, however, is precisely what the wise of heart will not do. Yielding, i. e. the temper of conciliation (the Hebrew noun is literally the healing, or the healthy, mood of mind) puts to rest, or puts a stop to, great offences. The history of all nations, our own included, presents manifold instances of both modes of action, sometimes, as in the case of Chatham’s behaviour to George III., in the same statesman at different times, sometimes in the attitude of rival statesmen towards the same sovereign.
Interpreters after their manner, seeing either the golden or the silver side of the shields, have referred the last words either to the angry acts of the ruler, or to the sins of rebellion in the minister. It can scarcely be questioned, however, that the proverb includes both. The maxim has its parallel in our English proverb, “Least said is soonest mended.”
Barnes' Notes on Ecclesiastes 10:4
If the spirit ... - i. e., If he is angry. Leave not thy place - i. e., Do not lose thy self-control and quit his presence. Gentleness on thy part will calm both thyself and him, and prevent great wrongs being committed by either.
Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 10:4
4. Leave not thy place — There is something painful in Koheleth’s repeated counsel of behaviour under oppressive rulers. He must have lived in troublous and tyrannical times.
Sermons on Ecclesiastes 10:4
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Jap-08 God Requires the Past by Art Katz | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and confessing our sins and the sins of our ancestors. He specifically mentions the Jewish people and their |
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In My Flesh Shall I See God by C.H. Spurgeon | The preacher delves into the significance of the Greek word 'taphos,' often used in the New Testament to refer to literal burial places but also figuratively by Paul to describe de |