Assorted Proverbs on Wisdom, Folly, and Disorder
Ecclesiastes 9:13-10:20
Ecc.9.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- גם: ADV
- זה: PRON,dem,m,sg
- ראיתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- חכמה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- תחת: PREP
- השמש: NOUN,f,sg,def
- וגדולה: CONJ+ADJ,f,sg,abs
- היא: PRON,dem,3,f,sg
- אלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
Parallels
- Ecclesiastes 1:16 (verbal): The narrator reflects on wisdom 'under the sun' and his own awareness of it; both verses record the author's personal assessment of wisdom's status.
- Ecclesiastes 7:23-24 (thematic): Both passages describe the author's searching and appraisal of wisdom—examining it and judging its value and effects in life.
- Proverbs 8:10-11, 12-14 (thematic): Proverbs personifies and extols wisdom as precious and great; thematically parallels Eccles. 9:13’s valuation of wisdom as remarkable and admirable.
- 1 Kings 4:29-34 (allusion): Announcement of Solomon’s extraordinary wisdom and its fame; echoes the same tradition (and persona) that regards wisdom as great and noteworthy.
- Job 28:28 (thematic): Identifies true wisdom as the fear of the LORD; thematically related as a measuring and ultimate definition of what counts as 'great' wisdom in Israelite literature.
Alternative generated candidates
- Also this I saw under the sun, and it seemed great to me:
- Also this I saw under the sun: wisdom was great in my eyes.
Ecc.9.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- עיר: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- קטנה: ADJ,f,sg
- ואנשים: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- בה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
- מעט: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ובא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אליה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- גדול: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- וסבב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- ובנה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- עליה: PREP,3,f,sg
- מצודים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- גדלים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Proverbs 21:22 (verbal): Both verses use imagery of taking or overcoming a fortified city—wisdom or a wise agent enabling the fall of a stronghold.
- Judges 7:1-22 (thematic): Gideon’s small band defeats a larger enemy by surprise and stratagem; theme of the few or weak preserved by cleverness rather than brute force.
- 1 Samuel 11:1-11 (structural): Narrative of a small city besieged by a powerful foe and subsequently delivered by decisive action from a leader—parallels the siege-and-rescue structure.
- Isaiah 36–37 (structural): Accounts of a great king (the Assyrian army under Sennacherib) laying siege to fortified cities and building siege works, echoing the motif of a great ruler besieging a small city.
Alternative generated candidates
- A little city, and few men in it; and a great king came against it, besieged it, and built around it great fortifications.
- A small city and few men in it; and a great king came against it, besieged it, and built great fortifications around it.
Ecc.9.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ומצא: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- בה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מסכן: ADJ,m,sg,def
- חכם: ADJ,m,sg
- ומלט: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- העיר: NOUN,f,sg,def
- בחכמתו: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- ואדם: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- זכר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- האיש: NOUN,m,sg,def
- המסכן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ההוא: DEM,ms,sg
Parallels
- Proverbs 21:22 (verbal): Closely parallels the image of wisdom taking or saving a city: "A wise man scales the city of the mighty...", echoing the deliverance 'by his wisdom' in Eccl 9:15.
- Ecclesiastes 9:16 (structural): Immediate continuation of the same thought in Qohelet: contrasts wisdom's effectiveness with the poor man's lack of recognition—'the poor man's wisdom is despised'—directly amplifying 9:15.
- 1 Samuel 25:2–35 (Abigail episode) (thematic): Abigail uses wise counsel to avert bloodshed and secure the safety of David's household—an instance of low‑status wisdom delivering from danger, thematically parallel to the 'poor wise man' who saves a city.
- Luke 4:24 (allusion): Jesus' remark that 'no prophet is accepted in his hometown' resonates with the theme of a wise/savory person who is unrecognized or unrewarded by his community, echoing 'and no one remembered that poor man'.
Alternative generated candidates
- And a poor wise man was found in it, and he saved the city by his wisdom; yet no one remembered that poor man.
- And a poor wise man was found in it, and by his wisdom he delivered the city; yet no one remembered that poor man.
Ecc.9.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואמרתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- אני: PRON,1,sg
- טובה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
- חכמה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מגבורה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- וחכמת: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,cons
- המסכן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- בזויה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
- ודבריו: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,poss3ms
- אינם: VERB,qal,imprf,3,m,pl
- נשמעים: VERB,niphal,ptcp,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Proverbs 24:5 (verbal): Affirms that a wise person is stronger than a mighty one—close verbal and conceptual parallel to 'wisdom is better than might.'
- Proverbs 21:22 (verbal): Speaks of wisdom scaling the city of the mighty and overthrowing strength, echoing the idea that wisdom prevails over brute power.
- 1 Corinthians 1:27 (thematic): Paul emphasizes God choosing the weak and despised things to shame the strong—resonates with Eccles.9:16’s note that the poor man’s wisdom is despised and ignored despite its value.
- Isaiah 29:14 (allusion): God’s action to confound human wisdom and overturn the understanding of the prudent parallels the theme that human estimations of wisdom and strength can be reversed or devalued.
Alternative generated candidates
- And I said, "Wisdom is better than might;" but the poor man's wisdom is despised and his words are not heeded.
Ecc.9.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- דברי: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,1,c,sg
- חכמים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- בנחת: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- נשמעים: VERB,niphal,part,NA,m,pl
- מזעקת: NOUN,f,sg,const
- מושל: VERB,qal,ptc,0,m,sg
- בכסילים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Proverbs 29:11 (verbal): Contrasts the uncontrolled venting of a fool with the restraint of the wise—parallels Ecclesiastes' opposition between a ruler's shouting among fools and the quiet authority of the wise.
- Proverbs 17:27-28 (verbal): Praises restraint of speech and notes that silence can be taken for wisdom—echoes the value placed on measured, quiet words in Eccl. 9:17.
- Proverbs 10:19 (thematic): Warns that many words bring transgression while restraint is prudence; thematically supports the preference for few, wise words over noisy talk.
- Isaiah 30:15 (thematic): Speaks of salvation and strength coming through quietness and trust rather than tumult—parallels the positive valuation of quiet wisdom versus loud folly.
- Ecclesiastes 9:16 (structural): Immediate contextual verse that continues the contrast between wise action/words and foolish leadership, situating 9:17 within the book's reflection on wisdom versus folly.
Alternative generated candidates
- The words of the wise are heard in quiet more than the shouting of a ruler among fools.
- The words of the wise are heard in quiet more than the cry of a ruler among fools.
Ecc.9.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- טובה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
- חכמה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מכלי: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,cons
- קרב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- וחוטא: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחד: NUM,card,m,sg
- יאבד: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- טובה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
- הרבה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Ecclesiastes 7:19 (thematic): Another Solomon‑wisdom saying in the same book that praises wisdom’s power—'Wisdom makes the wise stronger than ten rulers in a city'—echoing wisdom’s superiority to force.
- Ecclesiastes 10:10 (verbal): Contrasts brute strength with skill/wisdom: if the iron is blunt more strength is needed, whereas 'wisdom is profitable to direct'—paralleling wisdom’s advantage over weapons.
- Proverbs 21:22 (verbal): A proverb that attributes the overthrow of a stronghold to the wise rather than to military might—'A wise man scales the city of the mighty'—close in imagery and message to wisdom surpassing weapons.
- Proverbs 24:5 (thematic): Affirms that wisdom and knowledge confer strength—'A wise man is strong; a man of knowledge increases power'—supporting the claim that wisdom outperforms martial arms.
- Proverbs 25:28 (thematic): Warns how lack of self‑control leaves a person like a broken city wall, echoing the idea that a single sinner/person can undo much good or bring ruin.
Alternative generated candidates
- Wisdom is better than weapons of war; but one sinner destroys much good.
- Wisdom is better than weapons of war; yet one sinner destroys much good.
Ecc.10.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- זבובי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מות: VERB,qal,infabs
- יבאיש: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- יביע: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- שמן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- רוקח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יקר: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- מחכמה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מכבוד: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- סכלות: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מעט: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Song of Solomon 2:15 (thematic): “Catch the little foxes that spoil the vines” — imagery of a small thing ruining something precious parallels the dead flies that spoil costly perfume.
- Matthew 16:6 (thematic): Jesus warns to ‘beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees’ — the image of a small corrupting influence undermining the whole, echoing the proverb that a little folly spoils wisdom and honor.
- 1 Corinthians 5:6 (verbal): Paul: ‘A little leaven leavens the whole lump’ — an explicit use of the small‑thing‑spoiling‑the‑whole motif, analogous to the flies ruining the ointment.
- Proverbs 13:20 (thematic): ‘Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but a companion of fools will suffer harm’ — highlights how association with folly (even in small measure) undoes wisdom and brings loss of honor, resonating with Ecclesiastes’ contrast.
Alternative generated candidates
- Dead flies make the perfumer's ointment give off a foul stench; so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor.
- Dead flies make the perfumer's ointment give off a foul odor; so a little folly spoils much wisdom and honor.
Ecc.10.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- לב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חכם: ADJ,m,sg
- לימינו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- ולב: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,const
- כסיל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לשמאלו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,ms
Parallels
- Matthew 25:33 (structural): Places the righteous at the right and the wicked at the left—uses right/left symbolism to distinguish favor/righteousness from disfavor/wickedness, paralleling Ecclesiastes' assignment of the wise to the right and the fool to the left.
- Proverbs 12:15 (thematic): 'The way of a fool is right in his own eyes'—contrasts the self‑assured folly of the fool with the discernment of the wise, echoing Ecclesiastes' wise/foolish contrast.
- Proverbs 14:12 (thematic): 'There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death'—underscores human tendency to regard foolish paths as right, relating to the fool's orientation in Ecclesiastes.
- Psalm 110:1 (allusion): God's invitation to sit at his right hand highlights the right as a place of honor and power; this symbolic value of the right hand illumines Ecclesiastes' association of the wise with the right.
Alternative generated candidates
- The heart of the wise is to his right hand, but the heart of the fool is to his left.
- The heart of the wise is toward his right, but the heart of a fool toward his left.
Ecc.10.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וגם: CONJ
- בדרך: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- כשסכל: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הלך: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לבו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- חסר: ADJ,m,sg
- ואמר: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- לכל: PREP
- סכל: ADJ,m,sg
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Proverbs 12:15 (thematic): Both verses depict the fool as self-assured and lacking right judgment — “the way of a fool is right in his own eyes” echoes the fool whose understanding fails and who proclaims himself a fool.
- Proverbs 18:2 (thematic): Proverbs says a fool takes no pleasure in understanding but in airing his own mind; this parallels Ecclesiastes’ picture of a fool whose heart/mind is lacking and who speaks foolishly to all.
- Proverbs 26:11 (thematic): The proverb about a fool returning to his folly (like a dog to its vomit) complements Ecclesiastes’ observation of recurrent, unthinking behavior by the fool as he goes along the way.
- Ecclesiastes 10:2 (structural): Immediate internal parallel: 10:2 contrasts the wise and the fool (their hearts and conduct); 10:3 continues that contrast by describing the fool’s failing understanding and speech.
- Isaiah 32:6 (thematic): Isaiah portrays fools as speaking folly and acting without restraint, resonating with Ecclesiastes’ depiction of a fool whose mind fails him and who utters foolish words to everyone.
Alternative generated candidates
- Even on the road when a fool walks, his lack of sense becomes plain, and all say, "He is a fool."
- Even when a fool walks along the road, his heart is lacking, and he shows to everyone that he is a fool.
Ecc.10.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אם: CONJ
- רוח: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- המושל: NOUN,m,sg,def
- תעלה: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- עליך: PREP+2ms
- מקומך: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- תנח: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- מרפא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יניח: VERB,hiph,impf,3,m,sg
- חטאים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- גדולים: ADJ,m,pl
Parallels
- Proverbs 25:15 (verbal): Both passages advise patience and a gentle approach toward a ruler—patience can placate a ruler and avert great harm.
- Proverbs 15:1 (thematic): A soft or calm response turns away wrath; echoes Ecclesiastes' counsel to remain composed before a ruler's anger.
- Proverbs 20:2 (thematic): Warns of the deadly power of a king’s anger; provides the negative side of the same social dynamic that Ecclesiastes addresses (danger in provoking rulers).
- Psalm 37:7 (thematic): Calls for stillness and patient waiting rather than fretting—parallels the advice to stay one's place and let calmness settle offenses.
- Romans 12:17-19 (allusion): New Testament ethical teaching not to repay evil or take vengeance parallels the wisdom idea of not retaliating against authorities but trusting proper resolution.
Alternative generated candidates
- If the spirit of a ruler rises against you, do not leave your place; for composure can set aside great offenses.
- If the anger of a ruler rises against you, do not abandon your post; for composure can allay great offenses.
Ecc.10.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- יש: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- רעה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ראיתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- תחת: PREP
- השמש: NOUN,f,sg,def
- כשגגה: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- שיצא: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- מלפני: PREP
- השליט: VERB,qal,ptc,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Ecclesiastes 8:9 (verbal): Same book and theme: the speaker observes oppressive or harmful rule—'one man ruleth over another to his own hurt' parallels the 'evil... coming from the ruler.'
- Proverbs 29:12 (verbal): Links the ruler's influence to corruption: 'If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials become wicked,' echoing the idea that an error from the ruler produces evil.
- 1 Samuel 8:10-18 (thematic): Samuel's warning about the behavior of a king (taking property, burdening the people) illustrates the concrete harms that arise when a ruler abuses authority, paralleling Ecclesiastes' observation of evil proceeding from a ruler.
- Isaiah 3:5-6 (allusion): God's judgment includes giving unfit leaders ('I will make boys their princes')—a prophetic depiction of failed or erroneous rule that produces disorder, resonant with the complaint about a ruler's harmful error.
- Jeremiah 23:1-2 (thematic): Condemns leaders who 'destroy and scatter the sheep,' portraying rulers as the source of injustice and harm to the people—themewise parallel to the 'evil... from the ruler' in Ecclesiastes.
Alternative generated candidates
- I have seen an evil under the sun: an error that proceeds from a ruler.
- I have seen an evil under the sun: a foolish utterance that issues from the ruler.
Ecc.10.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- נתן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- הסכל: NOUN,m,sg,def
- במרומים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,def
- רבים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- ועשירים: CONJ+ADJ,m,pl,abs
- בשפל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ישבו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Proverbs 17:28 (verbal): States that even a fool may be counted wise if he keeps silent, but his speech reveals him—closely parallels the contrast between silence/restraint and foolish speech.
- Proverbs 12:23 (verbal): Contrasts a prudent person who conceals knowledge with fools who proclaim folly, echoing the same idea that fools expose themselves by speaking.
- Proverbs 29:11 (thematic): Notes that a fool vents all his mind while a wise person holds it back; thematically aligns with Ecclesiastes' critique of foolish speech.
- James 1:19 (thematic): New Testament counsel to be quick to hear and slow to speak echoes the wisdom tradition warning against rash talk and the folly of unguarded speech.
Alternative generated candidates
- Fools are set in high places, and the rich sit in low places.
- The fool is set in high place, while the rich sit in low.
Ecc.10.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ראיתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- עבדים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- על: PREP
- סוסים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ושרים: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- הלכים: VERB,qal,ptc,.,m,pl
- כעבדים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- על: PREP
- הארץ: NOUN,f,sg,def
Parallels
- Prov.30:21-23 (thematic): Lists social reversals (a servant becoming king) as a source of disorder—parallel to Ecclesiastes' image of slaves and princes exchanging roles.
- Luke 1:52 (thematic): Mary's Magnificat proclaims God 'has put down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate,' reflecting the motif of upheaved social hierarchies.
- Ps.113:7-8 (thematic): Describes God lifting the poor to sit with princes and reversing social positions, a positive theological echo of the theme of status reversal in Ecclesiastes 10:7.
- Isa.3:4 (thematic): Foretells inappropriate or lowly persons placed in positions of leadership ('I will make boys their princes'), resonating with the critique of distorted social order found in Ecclesiastes.
Alternative generated candidates
- I have seen servants on horses, and princes walking like servants on the earth.
- I have seen slaves riding on horses, and princes walking on the ground like slaves.
Ecc.10.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- חפר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- גומץ: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- יפול: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- ופרץ: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- גדר: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ישכנו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- נחש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Proverbs 26:27 (verbal): Nearly identical proverbal imagery: 'Whoever digs a pit will fall into it'—direct verbal parallel about traps bringing harm on the one who sets them.
- Psalm 7:15-16 (thematic): Describes a man digging a pit and falling into it and his own devices returning on his head—same theme of retribution and self‑inflicted ruin.
- Psalm 35:7 (allusion): Speaks of foes hiding a net/pit to ensnare the psalmist—similar motif of enemies digging pits/traps for others that figure in the same cultural imagery.
- Psalm 69:22 (Heb. 69:23) (thematic): Imprecatory language asking that the tables/traps set for the enemy become snares for them—related theme of devices turning back on their makers.
Alternative generated candidates
- He who digs a pit will fall into it; and he who breaks through a wall will be bitten by a serpent.
- He who digs a pit will fall into it; he who breaks down a wall will be bitten by a serpent.
Ecc.10.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- מסיע: VERB,qal,ptcp,-,m,sg
- אבנים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- יעצב: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- בהם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- בוקע: VERB,qal,ptcp,3,m,sg
- עצים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- יסכן: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- בם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Proverbs 26:27 (verbal): Direct proverb parallel: one who digs a pit (or causes harm) falls into it—same motif of self‑inflicted danger.
- Psalm 7:15–16 (verbal): Describes the evildoer digging a pit and falling into it; the mischief returns on his own head—closely echoes the image of harm coming back to its maker.
- Hosea 8:7 (thematic): ‘They sow the wind and reap the whirlwind’—the theme of actions bringing destructive consequences upon their doers, akin to injury from one’s own works.
- Galatians 6:7 (thematic): ‘You reap what you sow’—a New Testament formulation of the principle that one’s deeds produce returns, resonating with the verse’s self‑endangering motif.
Alternative generated candidates
- He who removes stones may be injured by them; he who splits wood may be endangered by it.
- He who hews stones will be injured by them; he who splits wood will be endangered by it.
Ecc.10.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אם: CONJ
- קהה: VERB,qal,part,3,m,sg
- הברזל: NOUN,m,sg,def
- והוא: CONJ+PRON,3,m,sg
- לא: PART_NEG
- פנים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- קלקל: VERB,piel,perf,3,m,sg
- וחילים: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- יגבר: VERB,qal,imprf,3,m,sg
- ויתרון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הכשר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- חכמה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Proverbs 27:17 (verbal): Direct verbal parallel: both verses use the image of iron being sharpened to make work more effective (Eccl. warns that blunt iron requires more strength; Prov. states 'iron sharpens iron').
- Proverbs 24:5 (thematic): Both contrast brute strength with wisdom/intelligence: 'A wise man is strong' links wisdom with effectiveness and advantage, echoing Eccl.'s claim that wisdom (sharpening) is preferable to merely applying more force.
- Proverbs 15:22 (thematic): Emphasizes the economy of counsel and planning: without wise counsel plans fail and require extra effort—parallel to Eccl.'s point that lack of skill (not sharpening) forces greater exertion.
- Isaiah 28:23-29 (structural): An extended agricultural/craft analogy about discerning proper technique and God’s wise instruction; structurally similar to Eccl.'s practical proverb that skilled technique (sharpening) is superior to wasted labor.
Alternative generated candidates
- If the axe is dull and its edge is not honed, one must use more strength; wisdom gives advantage.
- If the iron is blunt and its edge is not sharpened, one must exert more strength; wisdom brings advantage.
Ecc.10.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אם: CONJ
- ישך: VERB,qal,imperf,3,m,sg
- הנחש: NOUN,m,sg,def
- בלוא: PREP+PART
- לחש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואין: CONJ+PART,exist
- יתרון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לבעל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הלשון: NOUN,f,sg,def
Parallels
- Proverbs 25:11 (thematic): Commends the value of timely, apt speech — implying that words are only effective when delivered before harm; contrasts with the charmer whose words come too late.
- Proverbs 26:18-19 (thematic): Depicts people who cause harm and then excuse it with words ('I was only joking'), illustrating that speech after damage cannot undo the injury, like a charmer after a serpent's bite.
- Jeremiah 6:14 (thematic): Condemns false or superficial words of healing ('Peace, peace') given when the people are already hurt — parallel to the futility of charm after the bite.
- Ecclesiastes 10:10 (structural): Nearby proverb in the same chapter about the consequences of failing to take proper, timely measures (e.g., a blunt ax) — both sayings stress that belated or ill-prepared remedies are ineffective.
Alternative generated candidates
- If the snake bites before it is charmed, the skill of the charmer is of no avail.
- If the serpent bites before it is charmed, there is no profit to the speaker with a clever tongue.
Ecc.10.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- דברי: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,1,c,sg
- פי: NOUN,m,sg,construct
- חכם: ADJ,m,sg
- חן: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ושפתות: CONJ+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- כסיל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תבלענו: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,pl
Parallels
- Proverbs 18:7 (verbal): ’A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul’ — closely parallels the warning that a fool’s lips will swallow him up (similar wording and idea).
- Proverbs 12:18 (verbal): ‘The tongue of the wise is health’ — parallels the positive portrayal of wise speech as graceful or beneficial, contrasting with harmful speech.
- Proverbs 15:1 (thematic): ‘A soft answer turneth away wrath’ — emphasizes how gentle/gracious words of the wise produce good effects, echoing Ecclesiastes’ contrast.
- Proverbs 10:31–32 (thematic): ‘The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom… the lips of the righteous know what is acceptable’ — similar affirmation that wise/righteous speech is fitting and beneficial, opposed to perverse or foolish speech.
- James 3:6 (thematic): James warns that the tongue can set fire and bring great harm — a New Testament thematic parallel about the destructive potential of foolish speech vs. the value of controlled, wise words.
Alternative generated candidates
- The words of the wise are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow him up.
- The words of the wise are gracious; but the lips of fools will swallow them up.
Ecc.10.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- תחלת: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- דברי: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,1,c,sg
- פיהו: NOUN,m,sg,pr3ms
- סכלות: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ואחרית: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- פיהו: NOUN,m,sg,pr3ms
- הוללות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- רעה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Ecclesiastes 10:12 (structural): Direct contrast in same chapter: the wise man's gracious words versus the fool whose lips lead to his own ruin—sets up the theme of foolish speech.
- Proverbs 15:2 (verbal): Both speak of the mouth of the fool pouring out foolishness, closely matching the wording and idea of foolish speech and its character.
- Proverbs 18:7 (thematic): 'A fool's mouth is his destruction' parallels the idea that a fool's words ultimately lead to harmful, even wicked, outcomes.
- Proverbs 10:19 (thematic): Links excessive or heedless speech with sin and trouble, aligning with Ecclesiastes' warning about the beginning and end of a fool's talk.
- Proverbs 17:28 (thematic): Contrasts silence and speech: even a fool may seem wise by holding his peace, implying that foolish words expose folly—related to the destructive end of a fool's talk.
Alternative generated candidates
- The beginning of his words is folly, and the end of his talk is perverse madness.
- The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness, and the end of his talk is harmful madness.
Ecc.10.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והסכל: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ירבה: VERB,qal,impf,3,ms
- דברים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- ידע: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- האדם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מה: PRON,int
- שיהיה: CONJ+VERB,qal,yiqtol,3,m,sg
- ואשר: CONJ+PRON,rel
- יהיה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- מאחריו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- מי: PRON,interr,sg
- יגיד: VERB,hif,impf,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Ecclesiastes 8:7 (verbal): Repeats the same observation about human ignorance of what will be: 'no one knows what will be' (similar wording and theme within Qoheleth).
- Proverbs 10:19 (verbal): Links many words with wrongdoing—'When words are many, transgression is not lacking'—paralleling the warning about the fool who multiplies words.
- Proverbs 17:28 (thematic): Contrasts speech and wisdom: a fool who keeps silent is considered wise, underscoring the value of restraint versus the fool's excessive talk in Eccl.10:14.
- James 4:13-15 (allusion): New Testament admonition that we do not know what tomorrow will bring and should submit plans to God's will, echoing Qoheleth's point that no one can tell what will come after him.
Alternative generated candidates
- The fool multiplies words; no man knows what will be, or what will follow after him—who can tell him?
- The fool multiplies words; no man knows what will be, and who can tell him what will come after him?
Ecc.10.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- עמל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הכסילים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- תיגענו: VERB,qal,perf,3,pl
- אשר: PRON,rel
- לא: PART_NEG
- ידע: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ללכת: VERB,qal,inf
- אל: NEG
- עיר: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Proverbs 19:2 (thematic): Warns that zeal without knowledge leads to error—parallels the idea of laboring in vain because of lack of understanding or direction.
- Hosea 4:6 (allusion): 'My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge' echoes the theme that ignorance of the right way renders effort futile and destructive.
- Jeremiah 10:23 (thematic): Acknowledges that humans do not know their proper way and need guidance—resonates with 'not knowing the way to the city' as the root of futile toil.
- Matthew 7:26–27 (structural): The foolish builder’s collapse parallels Ecclesiastes’ picture of futile effort arising from folly and lack of practical wisdom/direction.
Alternative generated candidates
- The toil of fools wearies them, for they do not know the way to the city.
- The toil of fools wearies them; they do not know how to go to the city.
Ecc.10.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אי: PRON,interrog
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- ארץ: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- שמלכך: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs+SUFF,2,m,sg
- נער: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ושריך: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs+SUFF,2,m,sg
- בבקר: PREP
- יאכלו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Isaiah 3:12 (thematic): God condemns a people ruled by 'infants' and inexperienced leaders—echoes the warning about a land whose king is a child and whose rulers bring ruin.
- 1 Samuel 8:10-18 (structural): Samuel's description of the abuses and burdens a king will impose on the people parallels the critique of monarchy and the harms caused when rulers are unfit.
- Proverbs 29:2 (thematic): 'When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when the wicked rule, the people groan'—a succinct proverb expressing the same cause‑and‑effect between leadership quality and national welfare.
- Micah 3:1-3 (thematic): The prophets' indictment of leaders who 'devour' the people and give harmful counsel parallels the image of princes feasting (living at others' expense) while the nation suffers.
Alternative generated candidates
- Woe to you, O land whose king is a child, and whose princes feast in the morning.
- Woe to you, O land whose king is a child, and whose princes feast in the morning!
Ecc.10.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אשריך: ADJ,m,sg,abs+2,m,sg
- ארץ: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- שמלכך: NOUN,m,sg,2,m,sg
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חורים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ושריך: NOUN,m,pl,2,m,sg
- בעת: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- יאכלו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- בגבורה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ולא: CONJ
- בשתי: PREP+NUM,card,f,dual
Parallels
- Proverbs 31:4-5 (verbal): Directly echoes the admonition that it is not for kings or princes to take strong drink — leaders must not be intoxicated lest they pervert judgment; parallels Eccles.10:17’s contrast between eating for strength and not for drunkenness.
- Isaiah 32:1-2 (thematic): Speaks of a righteous king and princes who rule in justice, bringing security and blessing to the land — thematically parallels the blessing on a land whose king and rulers are fit and strong.
- Psalm 72:1-4 (thematic): Prayer for a just king whose rule brings justice and welfare to the poor and the land; parallels the idea that good, capable rulers produce prosperity and blessing for the country.
- Isaiah 28:7 (allusion): Describes priests and prophets who stagger from wine and err — provides a foil to Eccles.10:17’s praise of leaders who act ‘for strength’ rather than through drunkenness, highlighting the danger of intoxicated leadership.
Alternative generated candidates
- Blessed are you, O land whose king is of noble birth, and whose princes eat at the proper hour—strength, not excess.
- Blessed are you, O land whose king is of noble birth, and whose princes eat at the proper time—for strength, not for drunkenness.
Ecc.10.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- בעצלתים: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ימך: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- המקרה: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ובשפלות: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ידים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ידלף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הבית: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Proverbs 24:30-34 (structural): Describes the ruined property of the sluggard (broken hedge, ruined wall) and links neglect/laziness to decay and want — similar imagery of a house suffering because of sloth.
- Proverbs 10:4 (verbal): Contrasts 'lazy/idle hands' with consequences; like Ecclesiastes 10:18, it explicitly ties idle hands to material loss or poverty.
- Proverbs 6:9-11 (thematic): Warnings to the sluggard about continued sleep and inactivity leading to sudden poverty and want — thematically parallel to the idea that neglect causes the house to fail.
- Proverbs 18:9 (verbal): Says the one slack in his work is like one who destroys; parallels Ecclesiastes' causal link between sloth ('idle hands') and the physical deterioration of the house.
Alternative generated candidates
- By sloth the rafters sag, and through slack hands the house leaks.
- By sloth the rafters sag; and by slack hands the house leaks.
Ecc.10.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- לשחוק: VERB,qal,inf
- עשים: VERB,qal,inf
- לחם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויין: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ישמח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- חיים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- והכסף: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,def
- יענה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- הכל: PRON,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Ecclesiastes 7:12 (verbal): Explicitly links money to practical protection — “money is a defence” — echoing 10:19’s claim that money ‘answers’ or secures many things.
- Ecclesiastes 8:15 (thematic): Same book celebrates eating, drinking and rejoicing as the best enjoyment of life — parallels 10:19’s affirmation of bread, wine and joy.
- Psalm 104:15 (thematic): Speaks of wine that ‘gladdens’ the heart of man, closely paralleling 10:19’s association of wine with joy/life.
- Proverbs 17:22 (thematic): Asserts that a merry heart is like medicine, resonating with 10:19’s link between laughter/feasting and well‑being.
Alternative generated candidates
- They make bread for laughter, and wine makes life glad; money answers for everything.
- Bread is for laughter, and wine makes life merry; money answers all things.
Ecc.10.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- גם: ADV
- במדעך: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+2,m,sg
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- אל: NEG
- תקלל: VERB,qal,impf,juss,2,m,sg
- ובחדרי: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,pl,cons
- משכבך: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+SUFF,2,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- תקלל: VERB,qal,impf,juss,2,m,sg
- עשיר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- עוף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- השמים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- יוליך: VERB,hiph,impf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- הקול: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ובעל: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כנפים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- יגיד: VERB,hif,impf,3,m,sg
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Ecclesiastes 8:2-3 (structural): Same Qoheleth context—advice about comportment toward the king; both verses counsel restraint in speech and action before rulers to avoid harm.
- Proverbs 20:19 (verbal): Warns against associating with a gossip who reveals secrets; parallels the Ecclesiastes concern that private words about the powerful will be carried abroad.
- Proverbs 11:13 (thematic): Contrasts trustworthy silence with a talebearer who reveals confidences—echoes the warning that even private speech can be transmitted by others (the 'bird').
- Proverbs 21:23 (thematic): Promises safety for one who guards mouth and tongue; echoes Ecclesiastes' practical admonition to refrain from cursing rulers or the rich to avoid consequences.
- Matthew 12:36-37 (thematic): New Testament teaching that every careless/idle word will be accounted for—parallels the idea that spoken words have repercussions and may be reported elsewhere.
Alternative generated candidates
- Do not curse the king in your thought, nor curse the rich in your bedchamber; for a bird of the air will carry your voice, and the winged creature will tell the matter.
- Do not curse the king in your thought, nor curse the rich in your bedchamber; for a bird of the heavens will carry the voice, and a winged creature will tell the matter.
Also I saw this under the sun: wisdom seemed great to me.
A little city and few men in it; and a great king came against it, and he surrounded it and built large siegeworks against it. And there was found in it a poor, wise man, and he delivered the city by his wisdom; yet no one remembered that poor man. And I said, "Wisdom is better than might," yet the wisdom of the poor is despised, and his words are not heeded.
The words of the wise are heard in quiet more than the cry of a ruler among fools.
Better is wisdom than weapons of war; but one sinner destroys much good.
Dead flies make the perfumer's ointment give off a foul odor; so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor.
The heart of the wise is at his right hand, but the heart of the fool is at his left.
Also, when a fool walks along the road, his lack of sense is revealed, and he lets everyone see that he is a fool.
If the anger of a ruler rises against you, do not leave your place; for composure will calm great offenses.
There is an evil I have seen under the sun: a small folly that comes from the ruler.
A fool is set in many high places, while the rich sit in low ones.
I have seen slaves on horses, and princes walking on foot like slaves.
He who digs a pit will fall into it; and he who breaks through a hedge will be bitten by a serpent.
The one who hews stones may be hurt by them; the one who splits wood may be endangered by it.
If the ax is dull and its edge is not sharpened, more strength is required; wisdom brings advantage.
When the serpent bites without a charm, the charmer's skill accomplishes nothing.
The words of the wise bring grace, but the lips of a fool devour them.
The beginning of a fool's speech is folly, and the end of his talk is wicked madness.
The fool multiplies words; a man cannot know what will be, and who can tell him what will come after him?
The toil of fools wearies them, for they do not know the way to the city.
Woe to you, O land whose king is a child and whose princes feast in the morning.
Blessed are you, O land whose king is of noble birth, and whose princes eat at the proper time—by strength, not by drunkenness.
Through sloth the rafters sag; through slack hands the house leaks.
By laughter one makes bread, and wine makes life merry; money answers everything.
Do not curse the king even in your thought, nor curse the rich in your bedroom; for a bird of the heavens will carry the voice, and a winged creature will report the matter.