16 Woe to you, O land , whose king is a lad and whose princes feast in the morning . 17 Blessed are you, O land , whose king is of nobility e and whose princes eat at the appropriate time -for strength and not for drunkenness . 18 Through indolence the rafters sag , and through slackness e the house leaks . 19 Men prepare a meal for enjoyment , and wine makes life merry , and money is the answer to everything . 20 Furthermore , in your bedchamber do not curse a king , and in your sleeping rooms do not curse a rich man , for a bird of the heavens will carry the sound and the winged creature will make the matter known .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 10:16-20
Commentary on Ecclesiastes 10:16-20
(Read Ecclesiastes 10:16-20)
The happiness of a land depends on the character of its rulers. The people cannot be happy when their princes are childish, and lovers of pleasure. Slothfulness is of ill consequence both to private and public affairs. Money, of itself, will neither feed nor clothe, though it answers the occasions of this present life, as what is to be had, may generally be had for money. But the soul, as it is not redeemed, so it is not maintained with corruptible things, as silver and gold. God sees what men do, and hears what they say in secret; and, when he pleases, brings it to light by strange and unsuspected ways. If there be hazard in secret thoughts and whispers against earthly rulers, what must be the peril from every deed, word, or thought of rebellion against the King of kings, and Lord of lords! He seeth in secret. His ear is ever open. Sinner! curse not THIS KING in thy inmost thought. Your curses cannot affect Him; but his curse, coming down upon you, will sink you to the lowest hell.