Ecclesiastes 10
SIBVer. 1.—A little imprudence or wickedness much hurts the character of one who has been reckoned uncommonly wise
Ecclesiastes 10:2
A wise man’s understanding, and inward abilities, are always in readiness to direct him in his work, but a fool is unready in all he does, and knows not how to manage his affairs
Ecclesiastes 10:3
Nay, even in the most ordinary business his weakness appears, and he plainly discovers his folly to every one
Ecclesiastes 10:4
If the magistrate take offence at three, never desert thy station or employment, or withdraw thy subjection; but, by solemnity and patient carriage, endeavour to pacify him. 5.—Very often, to the great hurt of the subjects, magistrates employ, as their deputies and agents, persons of a weak or mercenary spirit, while persons of ability and true dignity are overlooked and condemned
Ecclesiastes 10:8
Both prince and people have need to beware of innovations; for he that endeavours to ensnare and ruin another shall thereby perish himself; and he that passes his due bounds to wrong others brings unexpected mischief upon himself
Ecclesiastes 10:9
He that rashly attempts things too high and hard for him shall be hurt by it; and he that deals with men of stubborn tempers endangers himself
Ecclesiastes 10:10
If a man do not use proper means for his work, it will cost him so much more labour and pains. Wisdom is therefore necessary and profitable to direct in the choice and use of means
Ecclesiastes 10:11
As unenchanted serpents are disposed to bite, so rash and talkative persons are sure to do mischief with their words, unless they be wisely prevented
Ecclesiastes 10:12
Wise men’s words being pious, friendly and profitable, procure them favour; but foolish, slanderous, and sinful speeches suddenly and irrecoverably ruin a man
Ecclesiastes 10:13
A fool at first talks in an useless and impertinent manner; and at length he grows insolent and abusive, sticking at nothing wicked or malicious
Ecclesiastes 10:14
A fool pours forth his incoherent babblings, and pretends to know every thing secret or future; and no one can tell what he will say next, or what mischief his foolish speeches may produce
Ecclesiastes 10:15
Fools find their work tedious and wearisome, because they want sense and prudence to manage the most ordinary business, even where the rules are ever so plain
Ecclesiastes 10:16
It is a great misery to a nation when their magistrates are ignorant, wilful and unexperienced, and minding their sensual pleasures when they should be employed about the business of their office
Ecclesiastes 10:17
But happy is that nation whose magistrates are of truly excellent dispositions and endowments, and who use the enjoyments of life, not to satisfy inordinate lust, but to fit them for their business
Ecclesiastes 10:18
Through sloth and indolence, estates, families, and nations, are gradually reduced to wretchedness and ruin
Ecclesiastes 10:19
Even feasting affords but a very slight and transient pleasure; but a plentiful estate procures every outward advantage: we should therefore beware of spending it in luxury
Ecclesiastes 10:20
It is neither lawful nor safe to condemn, reproach, or wish evil to, magistrates, however secretly, as it may be very quickly and surprisingly discovered to them
REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. X.—Men of character have need to be careful, lest they should inadvertently ruin it. Many are extremely ill qualified for the business they take in hand; and imprudently expose their own folly and wickedness. But it is very dangerous when either rulers or subjects leave their proper stations, and attempt violent changes of the public settlement. Vain and imprudent talking is often attended with the most hurtful consequences. It is necessary then to have our words always with grace, seasoned with salt. An imprudent management of their business frequently robs men of both the comfort and the benefit thereof. But it is a great mercy for nations when rulers and subjects do all diligently and prudently attend to their proper work, and act according to their station, neither doing nor speaking evil, but provoking one another to love and to good works