8 He who digs a pit will fall into it; and a serpent will bite him who breaks through a wall. 9 He who quarries stones is hurt by them; and he who splits logs is endangered by them. 10 If the iron is blunt, and one does not whet the edge, he must put forth more strength; but wisdom helps one to succeed.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 10:8-10
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.