Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

Ecclesiastes 10:4

If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee To the picture of the boastful self-assertion of the fool is appended as a contrast, that of the self-effacement of the wise. The scene brought before us is that of a statesman, or minister, whose advice runs counter to that of the ruler. The "spirit," what we should call the "temper," of the latter "rises up" against the former. What shall the adviser do? His natural impulse is to "leave his place," i. e.either to cut short his interview, or, resign his office. He won't be slighted, will not put up with contradiction. That, however, is precisely what the wise of heart will not do. Yielding, i. e.the temper of conciliation (the Hebrew noun is literally the healing, or the healthy, mood of mind) puts to rest,or puts a stop to, great offences. The history of all nations, our own included, presents manifold instances of both modes of action, sometimes, as in the case of Chatham's behaviour to George III., in the same statesman at different times, sometimes in the attitude of rival statesmen towards the same sovereign. Interpreters after their manner, seeing either the golden or the silver side of the shields, have referred the last words either to the angry acts of the ruler, or to the sins of rebellion in the minister. It can scarcely be questioned, however, that the proverb includes both. The maxim has its parallel in our English proverb, "Least said is soonest mended."

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Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

Ecclesiastes 10:4

Old Testament

New Testament