Ecclesiastes 9
DOYLYEcclesiastes 9:15
- — yet no man remembered that same poor man.] This little parable sets forth the depraved and malignant nature of mankind, who in extremities and straits commonly fly to men of wisdom and courage, whom they before slighted; but, as soon as the storm is over, they become unthankful wretches to their preservers. Lord Bacon.
Ecclesiastes 9:17
- The words of wise men &c.] The words of a wise poor man, though spoken softly, out of a fearful and lowly kind of bashfulness, are worthy of more respect than the imperious loud clamours of him that ruleth among fools. Bp. Hall.
Chap. X. ver. 1. Dead flies cause &c.] This is a well-known fact, especially in hot climates, that dead insects cause syrups, and other such preparations, to ferment and putrefy, which makes it necessary to be careful in preventing flies from coming to them. Scheuchzer.
— so doth a little folly] In the same manner, in however good reputation a man may be for wisdom and honour, yet some one foolish humour and weak miscarriage of his will mar and stain his reputation. Bp. Hall. A little folly in a very wise man, a small sin in an honest man, and a slight indecency of manners in a man of courtly behaviour, often greatly derogate from their fame and reputation. Lord Bacon.