4 If the spirit of the ruler go up against thee, Thy place leave not, For yielding quieteth great sinners. 5 There is an evil I have seen under the sun, As an error that goeth out from the ruler, 6 He hath set the fool in many high places, And the rich in a low place do sit. 7 I have seen servants on horses, And princes walking as servants on the earth. 8 Whoso is digging a pit falleth into it, And whoso is breaking a hedge, a serpent biteth him. 9 Whoso is removing stones is grieved by them, Whoso is cleaving trees endangered by them. 10 If the iron hath been blunt, And he the face hath not sharpened, Then doth he increase strength, And wisdom 'is' advantageous to make right.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 10:4-10
Commentary on Ecclesiastes 10:4-10
(Read Ecclesiastes 10:4-10)
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 thy post of duty; wait awhile, and thou wilt 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.