Ecclesiastes 10:9 - Whoever quarries stones may be injured by them; wh... (2024)

FAQs

What is the meaning of Ecclesiastes 10 9? ›

Verse Ecclesiastes 10:9. Whoso removeth stones — This verse teaches care and caution. Whoever pulls down an old building is likely to be hurt by the stones; and in cleaving wood many accidents occur for want of sufficient caution.

The choices made by a foolish man are the opposite of choices made by a wise man. Their heart leads each man in opposite directions. That means the wise and foolish have opposing perspectives and opposing objectives. Everyone has an innate sense that allows them to discern the difference between wisdom and foolishness.

The metaphor suggests that just as a small fly can ruin a whole jar of precious ointment, a single act of folly or foolishness can undermine or negate the value of wisdom, honor, and righteousness.

Chapter Ten

The Preacher also describes how folly is often manifested in government, and in one's life and labors. The land suffers when governed by foolish men, and labor is made even more difficult.

The central theme of this section is that death is the fate that ultimately awaits all people. Though traditional wisdom might suggest that one's fate should be determined by how righteously they lived, this does not turn out to be true. Death is the great equalizer.

The book reveals the necessity of fearing God in a fallen and frequently confusing and frustrating world. Humans seek lasting significance, but no matter how great their accomplishments, humans are unable to achieve the lasting significance they desire.

In Ecclesiastes 9:10, King Solomon was inspired to write these words: “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.” Clearly, God's people are to approach work differently than the rest of the world does today.

Ecclesiastes shows us in stunning ways that the key to life is not in life itself. Pleasure, materialism, wisdom, and money are all futile and folly. True happiness comes from centering our lives on God, not ourselves.

Ecclesiastes talks about the idea of what comes after your earthly existence. It can help you look forward to what comes next, even if you can't fully comprehend the eternity that God puts in your heart. Studying this can help comfort you and prepare you for eternity.

God, guard our thoughts and our desires and our words and our actions to avoid all folly. We pray. God, help us to avoid all folly in our lives today, all foolishness. Help us to speak only that which is wise, to think in ways only that are wise, to desire things that are wise and good.

Who wrote Ecclesiastes 10? ›

The common Christian English translations follow the Septuagint in placing Ecclesiastes between Proverbs and the Song of Solomon, an order reflecting the old tradition that Solomon wrote all three.

The Preacher's statement that "money answers everything" (Eccl. 10:19) is a simple practical observation that wealth is a tool that can meet the need for food, clothing, shelter, and so on. We should not take his words as endorsing the idea that absolutely every issue one can think of can be solved with money.

Ecclesiastes 10:9 in Other Translations

9 When you work in a quarry, stones might fall and crush you. When you chop wood, there is danger with each stroke of your ax. 9 Safety first: Quarrying stones is dangerous. Be alert: Felling trees is hazardous.

Wise people know there is danger out there and are careful. Verse 10 says, “If the ax is dull, and one does not sharpen its edge, then one must exert more strength; however, the advantage of wisdom is that it brings success.” Work smarter not harder. Some people work twice as hard and see half the results.

Ecclesiastes 10:10 in Other Translations

10 If the iron is blunt, and one does not sharpen the edge, he must use more strength, but wisdom helps one to succeed. 10 Using a dull ax requires great strength, so sharpen the blade. That's the value of wisdom; it helps you succeed.

The Preacher's statement that "money answers everything" (Eccl. 10:19) is a simple practical observation that wealth is a tool that can meet the need for food, clothing, shelter, and so on. We should not take his words as endorsing the idea that absolutely every issue one can think of can be solved with money.

Then the bible says that wisdom is profitable to direct. The word there for “directing” is to proceed to success, to execute quicker. In other words there is a necessity to succeed. Wisdom is a precision. The reason why many Christians are slowed is wisdom.

In Ecclesiastes 9:7-10, Solomon urges us to enjoy God's gift of life in simple ways. "Solomon didn't urge the jet-set life but common things to enjoy right at home." This inspired, preserved wisdom commends the enjoyment of: Happy, leisurely meals eaten together.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled” (Matthew 5:6). “. . . whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (John 4:14).