9 Whoso removeth stones shall be hurt therewith; and he that cleaveth wood shall be endangered thereby.
9 Whoever quarries stones may be injured by them; whoever splits logs may be endangered by them.
9 He who quarries stones is hurt by them, and he who splits logs is endangered by them.
9 Safety first: Quarrying stones is dangerous. Be alert: Felling trees is hazardous.
9 He who quarries stones may be hurt by them, And he who splits wood may be endangered by it.
9 When you work in a quarry, stones might fall and crush you. When you chop wood, there is danger with each stroke of your ax.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 10:9
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.