5 There is an evil I have seen under the sun, the sort of error that arises from a ruler:
5 There is an evil that I have seen under the sun, as it were an error proceeding from the ruler:
5 Here's a piece of bad business I've seen on this earth, An error that can be blamed on whoever is in charge:
5 There is an evil I have seen under the sun, As an error proceeding from the ruler:
5 There is another evil I have seen under the sun. Kings and rulers make a grave mistake
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 10:5
Commentary on Ecclesiastes 10:4-10
(Read Ecclesiastes 10:4-10)
Solomon appears to caution men not to seek redress in a 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 yielding pacifies great offences. Men are not preferred according to their merit. And those are often most forward to offer help, who are least aware of the difficulties, or the consequences. The same remark is applied to the church, or the body of Christ, that all the members should have the same care one for another.