King James Version
What Does Ecclesiastes 10:3 Mean?
“Yea also, when he that is a fool walketh by the way, his wisdom faileth him, and he saith to every one that he is a fool. his: Heb. his heart”
Context
1
Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour: so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour. Dead: Heb. Flies of death
2
A wise man's heart is at his right hand; but a fool's heart at his left.
3
Yea also, when he that is a fool walketh by the way, his wisdom faileth him, and he saith to every one that he is a fool. his: Heb. his heart
4
If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great offences.
5
There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, as an error which proceedeth from the ruler: from: Heb. from before
Topics in This Verse
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(3) **That he is a fool.**—In Hebrew, as in English, the antecedent of “he” may be taken differently, and so the Vulg. and other authorities understand the verse as meaning that the fool in his self-conceit attributes folly to everyone else. But it is better, as well as more obvious, to take the verse of the self-betrayal of the fool (Proverbs 13:16; Proverbs 17:28; Proverbs 18:2).
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Ecclesiastes. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Ecclesiastes 10:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Ecclesiastes 10:3
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge