Bible Commentary

Ecclesiastes 10:1-3

Ecclesiastes 10:1-3

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public Domain

Section 11. A little folly mars the effect of wisdom, and is sure to make itself conspicuous.

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Ecclesiastes 10 — OverviewEcclesiastes 10 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleThis chapter seems to be like Solomon's proverbs, a collection of wise sayings and observations, rather than a part of his sermon; but the preacher studied to be sententious, and "set in order many proverbs,"…Ecclesiastes 10 — OverviewEcclesiastes 10 · Treasury of Scripture KnowledgeEcclesiastes 10:1, Observations of wisdom and folly; Ecclesiastes 10:16, of riot; Ecclesiastes 10:18, slothfulness; Ecclesiastes 10:19, and money; Ecclesiastes 10:20, Men’s thoughts of kings ought to be reverent.Ecclesiastes 10 — OverviewEcclesiastes 10 · John Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleThis chapter treats of the difference between wisdom and folly; and of the preferableness of the one, to the other, especially in civil government: folly is compared to a dead or deadly fly; a little of which as much…Ecclesiastes 10:1-3Ecclesiastes 10:1-3 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleIn these verses Solomon shows, I. What great need wise men have to take heed of being guilty of any instance of folly; for a little folly is a great blemish to him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour, and…Ecclesiastes 10:1Ecclesiastes 10:1 · The Pulpit CommentaryDead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savor. This is a metaphorical confirmation of the truth enunciated at the end of the last chapter, "One sinner destroyeth much good." It is like…Ecclesiastes 10:1-15Ecclesiastes 10:1-15 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe dispraise of folly. I. FOLLY MARS THE FINEST REPUTATION. As one sinner destroyeth much good (Ecclesiastes 9:18), and flies of death, or poisonous flies, cause the ointment of the perfumer to send forth a stinking…