8 He that diggeth a pit shall fall into it; and whoso breaketh an hedge, a serpent shall bite him.
8 Whoever digs a pit may fall into it; whoever breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake.
8 He who digs a pit will fall into it, and a serpent will bite him who breaks through a wall.
8 Caution: The trap you set might catch you. Warning: Your accomplice in crime might double-cross you.
8 He who digs a pit will fall into it, And whoever breaks through a wall will be bitten by a serpent.
8 When you dig a well, you might fall in. When you demolish an old wall, you could be bitten by a snake.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 10:8
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.