Chapter 10

10:2 A ^a wise mans heart [is] at his right hand; but a fools heart [is] at his left.

(a) So that he does all things well and justly, where as the fool does the contrary.

10:3 Also, when he that is a fool walketh by the way, his wisdom faileth [him], and he ^b saith to every one [that] he [is] a fool.

(b) By his doings he betrays himself.

10:4 If the ^c spirit of the ruler riseth against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great offences.

(c) If your superior is angry with you, be discrete and not moved.

10:5 There is an evil [which] I have seen under the sun, as an ^d error [which] proceedeth from the ruler:

(d) Meaning that it is an evil thing when they who are in authority fail and do not do their duty.

10:6 Folly is set in great dignity, and the ^e rich sit in low place.

(e) They who are rich in wisdom and virtue.

10:10 If the iron is blunt, and he doth not whet the edge, then must he use more ^f strength: but wisdom [is] profitable to direct.

(f) Without wisdom, whatever a man takes in hand, turns to his own hurt.

10:15 The labour of the foolish wearieth every one of them, because he knoweth not how to go to the ^g city.

(g) The ignorance and beastliness of the wicked is such that they know not common things, and yet will discuss high matters.

10:16 Woe to thee, O land, when thy king [is] a ^h child, and thy princes ⁱ eat in the morning!

(h) That is, without wisdom and counsel.
(i) Are given to their lusts and pleasures.

10:17 Blessed [art] thou, O land, when thy king [is] the son ^k of nobles, and thy princes eat in due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness!

(k) Meaning, when he is noble for virtue and wisdom and with the gifts of God.

10:20 Curse not the king, no not in thy thought; and curse not the rich in thy bedchamber: for a ^l bird of the air shall carry the voice, and that which hath wings shall tell the matter.

(l) You cannot work evil so secretly that it will not be known.