Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible, by John Wesley, [1754-65], at sacred-texts.com
Ecclesiastes 10:2
ecc 10:2
Heart - His understanding is always present with him and ready to direct him. He mentions the right hand, because that is the common instrument of action. A fool's - His understanding is not effectual to govern his affections and actions.
Ecclesiastes 10:3
ecc 10:3
Walketh - In his daily conversation. He saith - He discovers his folly to all that meet him.
Ecclesiastes 10:4
ecc 10:4
The spirit - The passion. Leave not - In anger or discontent. Continue in a diligent and faithful discharge of thy duty, and modestly and humbly submit to him. Yielding - A gentle and submissive carriage.
Ecclesiastes 10:6
ecc 10:6
The rich - Wise and worthy men, rich in endowments of mind.
Ecclesiastes 10:8
ecc 10:8
An hedge - Whereby another man's fields or vineyards are distinguished, that he may either take away their fruits, or enlarge his own fields.
Ecclesiastes 10:9
ecc 10:9
Whoso removeth - Stones too heavy for them: who rashly attempts things too high and hard for them.
Ecclesiastes 10:10
ecc 10:10
Wisdom - As wisdom instructs a man in the smallest matters, so it is useful for a man's direction in all weighty affairs.
Ecclesiastes 10:11
ecc 10:11
Without - If not prevented by the art and care of the charmer; which practice he does not justify, but only mentions by way of resemblance.
Ecclesiastes 10:12
ecc 10:12
Gracious - Procure him favour with those who hear him.
Ecclesiastes 10:14
ecc 10:14
Full of words - Forward to promise and boast what he will do, whereas none can be sure of future events, even during his own life, much more after his death.
Ecclesiastes 10:15
ecc 10:15
Wearieth - Fools discover their folly by their wearisome and fruitless endeavours after things which are too high for them. Because - He is ignorant of those things which are most easy, as of the way to the great city whither he is going.
Ecclesiastes 10:16
ecc 10:16
A child - Either in age, or childish qualities. Eat - Give up themselves to eating and drinking. Morning - The fittest time for God's service, for the dispatch of weighty affairs, and for sitting in judgment.
Ecclesiastes 10:17
ecc 10:17
Nobles - Not so much by birth, as by their noble dispositions.
Ecclesiastes 10:20
ecc 10:20
Thy thought - In the most secret manner. The rich - Princes or governors. A bird - The king will hear of it by unknown and unsuspected hands, as if a bird had heard and carried the report of it.