SEV Biblia, Chapter 10:10
Si se embotare el hierro, y su filo no fuere amolado, hay que añadir entonces más fuerza; pero excede la bondad de la sabiduría.
Clarke's Bible Commentary - Ecclesiastes 10:10
Verse 10. If the iron be blunt - If the axe have lost its edge, and the owner do not sharpen it, he must apply the more strength to make it cut: but the wisdom that is profitable to direct will teach him, that he should whet his axe, and spare his strength. Thus, without wisdom and understanding we cannot go profitably through the meanest concerns in life.
John Gill's Bible Commentary
Ver. 10. If the iron be blunt , etc.] With which a man cleaves wood: the axe, made of iron: and he do not whet the edge ; with some proper instrument to make it sharper, that it may cut the more easily; then must he put to more strength ; he must give a greater blow, strike the harder, and use more force; and yet it may not be sufficient, or; it may be to no purpose, and he himself may be in the greatest danger of being hurt; as such are who push things with all their might and main, without judgment and discretion; but wisdom [is] profitable to direct ; this is the “excellency” of wisdom, that it puts a man in the right way of doing things, and of doing them right; it directs him to take the best methods, and pursue the best ways and means of doing things, both for his own good and the good of others; and so it is better than strength, ( Ecclesiastes 9:16,18).
Matthew Henry Commentary
To preserve a character for wisdom. (Eccl. 10:1-3) Respecting subject and rulers. (Eccl. 10:4-10) Of foolish talk. (Eccl. 10:11-15) Duties of rulers and subjects. (Eccl. 10:16-20) Eccl. 10:1-3 Those especially who make a profession of religion, shoul keep from all appearances of evil. A wise man has great advantage ove a fool, who is always at a loss when he has anything to do. Sin is the reproach of sinners, wherever they go, and shows their folly.
Eccl. 10:4-10 Solomon appears to caution men not to seek redress in hasty manner, nor to yield to pride and revenge. Do not, in a passion quit thy post of duty; wait awhile, and thou wilt find that yieldin pacifies great offences. Men are not preferred according to their merit. And those are often most forward to offer help, who are leas aware of the difficulties, or the consequences. The same remark i applied to the church, or the body of Christ, that all the member should have the same care one for another.
Eccl. 10:11-15 There is a practice in the East, of charming serpents by music. The babbler's tongue is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison and contradiction only makes it the more violent. We must find the way to keep him gentle. But by rash, unprincipled, or slanderous talk, he brings open or secret vengeance upon himself. Would we duly conside our own ignorance as to future events, it would cut off many idle word which we foolishly multiply. Fools toil a great deal to no purpose They do not understand the plainest things, such as the entrance into great city. But it is the excellency of the way to the heavenly city that it is a high-way, in which the simplest wayfaring men shall no err, Is. 25:8. But sinful folly makes men miss that only way to happiness.
Eccl. 10:16-20 The happiness of a land depends on the character of it rulers. The people cannot be happy when their princes are childish, an lovers of pleasure. Slothfulness is of ill consequence both to privat and public affairs. Money, of itself, will neither feed nor clothe though it answers the occasions of this present life, as what is to be had, may generally be had for money. But the soul, as it is no redeemed, so it is not maintained with corruptible things, as silve and gold. God sees what men do, and hears what they say in secret; and when he pleases, brings it to light by strange and unsuspected ways. I there be hazard in secret thoughts and whispers against earthly rulers what must be the peril from every deed, word, or thought of rebellio against the King of kings, and Lord of lords! He seeth in secret. Hi ear is ever open. Sinner! curse not THIS KING in thy inmost thought Your curses cannot affect Him; but his curse, coming down upon you will sink you to the lowest hell __________________________________________________________________
Original Hebrew
אם 518 קהה 6949 הברזל 1270 והוא 1931 לא 3808 פנים 6440 קלקל 7043 וחילים 2428 יגבר 1396 ויתרון 3504 הכשׁיר 3787 חכמה׃ 2451
