10:2 A a wise man's heart [is] at his right hand; but a fool's
heart [is] at his left.
(a) So that he does all things well and justly, where as
the fool does the contrary.
10:3 Also, when he that is a fool walketh by the way, his wisdom
faileth [him], and he b saith to every one [that] he [is]
a fool.
(b) By his doings he betrays himself.
10:4 If the c spirit of the ruler riseth against thee, leave
not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great offences.
(c) If your superior is angry with you, be discrete and
not moved.
10:5 There is an evil [which] I have seen under the sun, as an
d error [which] proceedeth from the ruler:
(d) Meaning that it is an evil thing when they who are in
authority fail and do not do their duty.
10:6 Folly is set in great dignity, and the e rich sit in low
place.
(e) They who are rich in wisdom and virtue.
10:10 If the iron is blunt, and he doth not whet the edge, then
must he use more f strength: but wisdom [is] profitable
to direct.
(f) Without wisdom, whatever a man takes in hand, turns to
his own hurt.
10:15 The labour of the foolish wearieth every one of them,
because he knoweth not how to go to the g city.
(g) The ignorance and beastliness of the wicked is such
that they know not common things, and yet will discuss
high matters.
10:16 Woe to thee, O land, when thy king [is] a h child, and
thy princes i eat in the morning!
(h) That is, without wisdom and counsel.
(i) Are given to their lusts and pleasures.
10:17 Blessed [art] thou, O land, when thy king [is] the son k
of nobles, and thy princes eat in due season, for
strength, and not for drunkenness!
(k) Meaning, when he is noble for virtue and wisdom and
with the gifts of God.
10:20 Curse not the king, no not in thy thought; and curse not
the rich in thy bedchamber: for a l bird of the air
shall carry the voice, and that which hath wings shall
tell the matter.
(l) You cannot work evil so secretly that it will not be
known.
