Ecclesiastes 10

1 the ointment of the apothecary. Rather, “the fragrant oil of the perfumer.” A slight indiscretion which would pass without observation in other men, would be marked in a wise man. This maxim applies very forcibly to the Christian, whose profession should be without a blemish.

2 at his right hand. The right hand, being more used, is more quick and apt than the left. So a wise man can use his thoughts promptly and aptly; whilst a fool is confused and unable to act.

3 when he that is a fool, etc. He exhibits his folly to every one, and in all his conduct. According to some interpreters, the meaning of the second clause is that he stigmatises those whom he meets as fools, showing thus his vain self-sufficiency.

4 leave not thy place. i.e., “Do not rebel”: see viii. 3, and note.

7 servants upon horses. Horses are often mentioned as appendages of rank: see Esther vi. 8, 9; Jer. xvii. 25; Ezek. xxiii. 12.

8 whoso breaketh a hedge. Rather, “breaketh down a wall.” Serpents hide in the crevices of walls. Vers. 8, 9 refer to various modes of injuring others (see Gen. xlix. 6; 2 Kings iii. 19, 25; Prov. xxvi. 27), which are here represented as recoiling upon the perpetrators. Wisdom teaches a man that what does harm to another will in the end be mischievous to himself.

10 to direct. Rather, “to give success.” Science and skill often save hard labour, as well as much time and money.

11. Surely the serpent will bite without enchantment, etc. Rather, “If the serpent bite because he is not charmed, then there is no advantage to the master of the tongue” (i.e., the charmer): cp. R.V. An enchanter must be quick in his art, or the serpent will bite before his song has lulled it. So a wise man will be prompt.

12 are gracious. i.e., they are conciliatory; whereas the fool’s words are provoking, and begin with folly, to end in rage (13), which will destroy himself and others too.

14 after him. Perhaps this should be, “after that.”

15 he knoweth not how to go to the city. i.e., he cannot find out the broad and frequented highway, and therefore goes a long way round to get to his object. Cp. Isaiah xxxv. 8.

16 a child. Rather, “a youth,” and therefore too often deficient in wisdom, experience, and skill.

thy princes eat in the morning. The morning repast of the East, like that of the French, is very light, the principal meal being late in the afternoon. Therefore, to eat, i.e., to feast, in the morning was regarded as luxurious and intemperate, and as wasting time which ought to be devoted to business.

17 the son of nobles. And therefore educated in the knowledge of the duties of his high station.

18 the house droppeth through. Or, “fallet in.”

19. But (R.V., “And”) money answereth all things. This appears to refer to the rich and luxurious, by whom the feast is made for merriment, and wine gladdens the living, and money supplies the whole.

20 a bird of the air shall carry the voice. A proverbial expression, indicating the unexpected way in which secrets often come out. Detraction even of those who seem most removed from us may reach their ears.