Ecclesiastes 10
Verse 2 Heart - His understanding is always present with him and ready to direct him. He mentions the right hand, because that is the common instrument of action. A fool's - His understanding is not effectual to govern his affections and actions. Verse 3 Walketh - In his daily conversation. He saith - He discovers his folly to all that meet him. Verse 4 The spirit - The passion. Leave not - In anger or discontent. Continue in a diligent and faithful discharge of thy duty, and modestly and humbly submit to him. Yielding - A gentle and submissive carriage. Verse 6 The rich - Wise and worthy men, rich in endowments of mind. Verse 8 An hedge - Whereby another man's fields or vineyards are distinguished, that he may either take away their fruits, or enlarge his own fields. Verse 9 Whoso removeth - Stones too heavy for them: who rashly attempts things too high and hard for them. Verse 10 Wisdom - As wisdom instructs a man in the smallest matters, so it is useful for a man's direction in all weighty affairs. Verse 11 Without - If not prevented by the art and care of the charmer; which practice he does not justify, but only mentions by way of resemblance. Verse 12 Gracious - Procure him favour with those who hear him. Verse 14 Full of words - Forward to promise and boast what he will do, whereas none can be sure of future events, even during his own life, much more after his death. Verse 15 Wearieth - Fools discover their folly by their wearisome and fruitless endeavours after things which are too high for them. Because - He is ignorant of those things which are most easy, as of the way to the great city whither he is going. Verse 16 A child - Either in age, or childish qualities. Eat - Give up themselves to eating and drinking. Morning - The fittest time for God's service, for the dispatch of weighty affairs, and for sitting in judgment. Verse 17 Nobles - Not so much by birth, as by their noble dispositions. Verse 20 Thy thought - In the most secret manner. The rich - Princes or governors. A bird - The king will hear of it by unknown and unsuspected hands, as if a bird had heard and carried the report of it.