Matthew Henry Commentary Ecclesiastes 10:4-10

Matthew Henry Commentary

Ecclesiastes 10:4-10

1662–1714
Presbyterian
Matthew Henry
Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry Commentary

Ecclesiastes 10:4-10

1662–1714
Presbyterian
SCRIPTURE

"If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for gentleness allayeth great offences. There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, as it were an error which proceedeth from the ruler: folly is set in great dignity, and the rich sit in a low place. I have seen servants upon horses, and princes walking like servants upon the earth. He that diggeth a pit shall fall into it; and whoso breaketh through a wall, a serpent shall bite him. Whoso heweth out stones shall be hurt therewith; [and] he that cleaveth wood is endangered thereby. If the iron be blunt, and one do not whet the edge, then must he put to more strength: but wisdom is profitable to direct." — Ecclesiastes 10:4-10 (ASV)

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 your post of duty; wait awhile, and you will 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.