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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Ecclesiastes 10:4 If the ruler's temper flares against you, do not abandon your post, for calmness lays great offenses to rest.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ecclesiastes/10-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/21_Ecc_10_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ecclesiastes 10:4 - Wisdom and Folly" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="If the ruler's temper flares against you, do not abandon your post, for calmness lays great offenses to rest." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/ecclesiastes/10-4.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/ecclesiastes/10-4.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/ecclesiastes/">Ecclesiastes</a> > <a href="/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Chapter 10</a> > Verse 4</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad4.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-3.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 10:3">◄</a> Ecclesiastes 10:4 <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-5.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 10:5">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/10.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/10.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />If a ruler&#8217s anger rises against you, do not leave your post; calmness can lay great offenses to rest.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/10.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />If your boss is angry at you, don’t quit! A quiet spirit can overcome even great mistakes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/10.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />If the anger of the ruler rises against you, do not leave your place, for calmness will lay great offenses to rest.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />If the ruler’s temper flares against you, do not abandon your post, for calmness lays great offenses to rest.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/10.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great offences.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/ecclesiastes/10.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />If the spirit of the ruler rises against you, Do not leave your post; For conciliation pacifies great offenses.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/ecclesiastes/10.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />If the ruler’s temper rises against you, do not abandon your place, because composure puts great offenses to rest.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/10.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />If the ruler&#8217s temper rises against you, do not abandon your position, because composure allays great offenses.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/ecclesiastes/10.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />If the ruler’s temper rises against you, do not abandon your position, because composure allays great offenses.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />If the ruler’s temper rises against you, do not abandon your position, because calmness causes great offenses to be abandoned.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />If the temper of the ruler rises against you, do not leave your post [showing resistance], because composure <i>and</i> calmness prevent great offenses.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />If the ruler’s anger rises against you, don’t leave your post, for calmness puts great offenses to rest.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />If the ruler&#8217s anger rises against you, don&#8217t leave your place, for calmness puts great offenses to rest. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/ecclesiastes/10.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for gentleness allayeth great offences.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Don't give up your job when your boss gets angry. If you stay calm, you'll be forgiven. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/ecclesiastes/10.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding allayeth great offences.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/ecclesiastes/10.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />If a ruler becomes angry with you, don't resign your position. If you remain calm, you can make up for serious offenses.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />If your ruler becomes angry with you, do not hand in your resignation; serious wrongs may be pardoned if you keep calm. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/ecclesiastes/10.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />If your overseer gets angry at you, don't resign, because calmness pacifies great offenses.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />If the ruler?s temper flares against you, do not abandon your post, for calmness lays great offenses to rest.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/ecclesiastes/10.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />If the anger of the ruler flares up against you, do not resign from your position, for a calm response can undo great offenses. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/ecclesiastes/10.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />If the spirit of the ruler rises up against you, do not leave your place; for gentleness lays great offenses to rest.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />If the spirit of the ruler riseth against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great offenses.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/ecclesiastes/10.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />If the spirit of the ruler rises up against you, don’t leave your place; for gentleness lays great offenses to rest. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />If the spirit of the ruler goes up against you, do not leave your place, "" For yielding quiets great sinners.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> If the spirit of the ruler go up against thee, Thy place leave not, For yielding quieteth great sinners.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />If the spirit of him ruling shall go up against thee, thou shalt not leave thy place; for quietness will put down great sins.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />If the spirit of him that hath power, ascend upon thee, leave not thy place: because care will make the greatest sins to cease. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />If the spirit of one who holds authority rises over you, do not leave your place, because attentiveness will cause the greatest sins to cease.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/ecclesiastes/10.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Should the anger of a ruler burst upon you, do not yield your place; for calmness abates great offenses.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/ecclesiastes/10.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />If the anger of the ruler rises against you, do not leave your post, for calmness will undo great offenses.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />If the temper of the ruler rises against you, do not leave your country; because healing forgives many sins.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />If the spirit of a prince rises against you, do not leave your place, because healing dissolves many sins<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/ecclesiastes/10.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, Leave not thy place; For gentleness allayeth great offences.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for soothing will put an end to great offences.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/ecclesiastes/10-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8-2fxj-VcEg?start=1865" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Wisdom and Folly</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">3</span>Even as the fool walks along the road, his sense is lacking, and he shows everyone that he is a fool. <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: ’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">If</a> <a href="/hebrew/4910.htm" title="4910: ham·mō·wō·šêl (Art:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To rule, have dominion, reign. A primitive root; to rule.">the ruler’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/7307.htm" title="7307: rū·aḥ (N-csc) -- Breath, wind, spirit. From ruwach; wind; by resemblance breath.">temper</a> <a href="/hebrew/5927.htm" title="5927: ta·‘ă·leh (V-Qal-Imperf-3fs) -- A primitive root; to ascend, intransitively or actively; used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative.">flares</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘ā·le·ḵā (Prep:: 2ms) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">against you,</a> <a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: ’al- (Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing.">do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/5117.htm" title="5117: tan·naḥ (V-Hifil-Imperf.Jus-2ms) -- To rest, i.e. settle down">abandon</a> <a href="/hebrew/4725.htm" title="4725: mə·qō·wm·ḵā (N-msc:: 2ms) -- Or maqom; also mqowmah; or mqomah; from quwm; properly, a standing, i.e. A spot; but used widely of a locality; also of a condition.">your post,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">for</a> <a href="/hebrew/4832.htm" title="4832: mar·pê (N-ms) -- From rapha'; properly, curative, i.e. Literally a medicine, or a cure; figuratively deliverance, or placidity.">calmness</a> <a href="/hebrew/1419.htm" title="1419: gə·ḏō·w·lîm (Adj-mp) -- Great. Or gadol; from gadal; great; hence, older; also insolent.">lays great</a> <a href="/hebrew/2399.htm" title="2399: ḥă·ṭā·’îm (N-mp) -- A sin. From chata'; a crime or its penalty.">offenses</a> <a href="/hebrew/5117.htm" title="5117: yan·nî·aḥ (V-Hifil-Imperf-3ms) -- To rest, i.e. settle down">to rest.</a> </span><span class="reftext">5</span>There is an evil I have seen under the sun—an error that proceeds from the ruler:…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/15-1.htm">Proverbs 15:1</a></span><br />A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-39.htm">Matthew 5:39</a></span><br />But I tell you not to resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/2-18.htm">1 Peter 2:18-23</a></span><br />Servants, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but even to those who are unreasonable. / For if anyone endures the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God, this is to be commended. / How is it to your credit if you are beaten for doing wrong and you endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/25-15.htm">Proverbs 25:15</a></span><br />Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-19.htm">James 1:19-20</a></span><br />My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, / for man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-18.htm">Romans 12:18</a></span><br />If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/25-24.htm">1 Samuel 25:24-31</a></span><br />She fell at his feet and said, “My lord, may the blame be on me alone, but please let your servant speak to you; hear the words of your servant. / My lord should pay no attention to this scoundrel Nabal, for he lives up to his name: His name means Fool, and folly accompanies him. I, your servant, did not see my lord’s young men whom you sent. / Now, my lord, as surely as the LORD lives and you yourself live, since the LORD has held you back from bloodshed and from avenging yourself with your own hand, may your enemies and those who seek harm for my lord be like Nabal. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/16-14.htm">Proverbs 16:14</a></span><br />The wrath of a king is a messenger of death, but a wise man will pacify it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-9.htm">1 Peter 3:9</a></span><br />Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-9.htm">Matthew 5:9</a></span><br />Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/2-24.htm">2 Timothy 2:24-25</a></span><br />And a servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome, but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, and forbearing. / He must gently reprove those who oppose him, in the hope that God may grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/19-11.htm">Proverbs 19:11</a></span><br />A man’s insight gives him patience, and his virtue is to overlook an offense.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/4-26.htm">Ephesians 4:26-27</a></span><br />“Be angry, yet do not sin.” Do not let the sun set upon your anger, / and do not give the devil a foothold.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/32-3.htm">Genesis 32:3-21</a></span><br />Jacob sent messengers ahead of him to his brother Esau in the land of Seir, the country of Edom. / He instructed them, “You are to say to my master Esau, ‘Your servant Jacob says: I have been staying with Laban and have remained there until now. / I have oxen, donkeys, flocks, menservants, and maidservants. I have sent this message to inform my master, so that I may find favor in your sight.’” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/3-12.htm">Colossians 3:12-13</a></span><br />Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. / Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">If the spirit of the ruler rise up against you, leave not your place; for yielding pacifies great offenses.</p><p class="hdg">leave</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/8-3.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:3</a></b></br> Be not hasty to go out of his sight: stand not in an evil thing; for he doeth whatsoever pleaseth him.</p><p class="hdg">for</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/25-24.htm">1 Samuel 25:24</a></b></br> And fell at his feet, and said, Upon me, my lord, <i>upon</i> me <i>let this</i> iniquity <i>be</i>: and let thine handmaid, I pray thee, speak in thine audience, and hear the words of thine handmaid.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/25-15.htm">Proverbs 25:15</a></b></br> By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/19-7.htm">Abandon</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-9.htm">Amends</a> <a href="/2_kings/16-18.htm">Deference</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-12.htm">Errors</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-4.htm">Gentleness</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-1.htm">Great</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-5.htm">Keeps</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-3.htm">Leave</a> <a href="/genesis/41-9.htm">Offences</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-12.htm">Offenses</a> <a href="/job/14-16.htm">Overlooked</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-14.htm">Pacifieth</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-21.htm">Position</a> <a href="/job/9-25.htm">Post</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-17.htm">Quiet</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-17.htm">Quietness</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-10.htm">Rest</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-10.htm">Rise</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-21.htm">Rises</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-5.htm">Riseth</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-17.htm">Ruler</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-26.htm">Ruler's</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-20.htm">Sins</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-8.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-11.htm">Temper</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-9.htm">Wrath</a> <a href="/genesis/1-29.htm">Yielding</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/jeremiah/12-7.htm">Abandon</a> <a href="/leviticus/5-16.htm">Amends</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/16-16.htm">Deference</a> <a href="/jeremiah/2-19.htm">Errors</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-21.htm">Gentleness</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-6.htm">Great</a> <a href="/isaiah/14-31.htm">Keeps</a> <a href="/isaiah/10-3.htm">Leave</a> <a href="/matthew/6-14.htm">Offences</a> <a href="/isaiah/43-24.htm">Offenses</a> <a href="/isaiah/57-6.htm">Overlooked</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-14.htm">Pacifieth</a> <a href="/isaiah/3-3.htm">Position</a> <a href="/isaiah/21-6.htm">Post</a> <a href="/isaiah/7-4.htm">Quiet</a> <a href="/isaiah/30-15.htm">Quietness</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/11-6.htm">Rest</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/12-4.htm">Rise</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/12-4.htm">Rises</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/12-4.htm">Riseth</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-5.htm">Ruler</a> <a href="/ezekiel/19-11.htm">Ruler's</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-18.htm">Sins</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/11-5.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/ezekiel/46-14.htm">Temper</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-24.htm">Wrath</a> <a href="/songs/5-13.htm">Yielding</a><div class="vheading2">Ecclesiastes 10</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-1.htm">observations of wisdom and folly</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-7.htm">death in life</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-9.htm">and the day of judgment in the days of youth, are to be thought on</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ecclesiastes/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/ecclesiastes/10.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>If the ruler’s temper flares against you</b><br>This phrase addresses the reality of serving under authority, particularly a ruler or leader. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, rulers held significant power, and their anger could have severe consequences. The Bible often acknowledges the challenges of dealing with authority figures, as seen in the stories of Joseph with Pharaoh (Genesis 41) and Daniel with Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 2). The wisdom literature, including Proverbs, frequently advises on handling such situations with prudence and patience (<a href="/proverbs/16-14.htm">Proverbs 16:14</a>).<p><b>do not abandon your post</b><br>This counsel emphasizes the importance of steadfastness and loyalty, even in difficult circumstances. In biblical times, abandoning one's post could be seen as an act of rebellion or cowardice. The call to remain steadfast is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to stand firm in their faith (<a href="/1_corinthians/15-58.htm">1 Corinthians 15:58</a>). The idea of maintaining one's position can also be seen as a type of Christ, who remained faithful to His mission despite opposition (<a href="/hebrews/12-2.htm">Hebrews 12:2</a>).<p><b>for calmness lays great offenses to rest</b><br>Calmness, or a gentle response, is a recurring theme in biblical wisdom literature. <a href="/proverbs/15.htm">Proverbs 15:1</a> states, "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." This principle is not only practical but also reflects a Christ-like attitude, as Jesus often responded to hostility with peace and wisdom (<a href="/matthew/5-39.htm">Matthew 5:39</a>). The ability to defuse tension through calmness is a valuable trait for maintaining harmony and resolving conflicts, aligning with the peacemaking teachings of Jesus (<a href="/matthew/5-9.htm">Matthew 5:9</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_ruler.htm">The Ruler</a></b><br>Represents authority figures or leaders in various contexts, such as kings, employers, or government officials.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_subject.htm">The Subject</a></b><br>The individual under the authority of the ruler, who is advised to maintain composure.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_setting.htm">The Setting</a></b><br>The context is likely a royal court or any hierarchical structure where authority is exercised.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_event.htm">The Event</a></b><br>A situation where the ruler's anger is directed at the subject, creating a potential conflict.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_resolution.htm">The Resolution</a></b><br>The subject's calm response, which can defuse the situation and prevent further issues.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_calmness.htm">The Power of Calmness</a></b><br>Calmness is a powerful tool in conflict resolution. It can de-escalate tense situations and prevent further offenses.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/staying_at_your_post.htm">Staying at Your Post</a></b><br>Remaining steadfast in your duties, even when faced with anger or criticism, demonstrates integrity and commitment.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/responding_to_authority.htm">Responding to Authority</a></b><br>Respect for authority is a biblical principle. Responding with calmness and respect can lead to peace and reconciliation.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_influence_of_a_gentle_spirit.htm">The Influence of a Gentle Spirit</a></b><br>A gentle and calm spirit can have a profound impact on those around us, reflecting Christ-like behavior.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trusting_god's_sovereignty.htm">Trusting God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>In moments of conflict, trust that God is in control and that He can use your calm response for His purposes.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ecclesiastes_10.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ecclesiastes 10</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible_on_controlling_temper.htm">What does the Bible say about controlling temper?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_title_'god_the_son'_mean.htm">Who is the author of Ecclesiastes?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_ecclesiastes_4_5-6_align_with_proverbs.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:5-6 appears to favor quietness over hard work--how is this consistent with scriptures that commend diligence (e.g., Proverbs 6:6-8)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_god_allow_unjust_rulers.htm">Isaiah 10:1-4: Why would a just God allow oppressive rulers to continue writing unjust laws while still holding them accountable later?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) We return now to the thought of <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-3.htm" title="Be not hasty to go out of his sight: stand not in an evil thing; for he does whatever pleases him.">Ecclesiastes 8:3</a>. For "spirit" in the sense of "anger," see <a href="/judges/8-3.htm" title="God has delivered into your hands the princes of Midian, Oreb and Zeeb: and what was I able to do in comparison of you? Then their anger was abated toward him, when he had said that.">Judges 8:3</a>.<p><span class= "bld">Rise up.--</span><a href="/psalms/78-21.htm" title="Therefore the LORD heard this, and was wroth: so a fire was kindled against Jacob, and anger also came up against Israel;">Psalm 78:21</a>; <a href="/2_samuel/11-20.htm" title="And if so be that the king's wrath arise, and he say to you, Why approached you so near to the city when you did fight? knew you not that they would shoot from the wall?">2Samuel 11:20</a>.<p><span class= "bld">Yielding.</span>--Literally, <span class= "ital">healing. </span>(See <a href="/proverbs/15-4.htm" title="A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.">Proverbs 15:4</a>.) . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 4-7.</span> - Section 12. <span class="accented">Illustration of the conduct of wisdom under capricious rulers</span>, or when fools are exalted to high stations. <span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 4.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee</span>. "Spirit" (<span class="accented">ruach</span>) is here equivalent to "anger," as <a href="/judges/8-3.htm">Judges 8:3</a>; <a href="/proverbs/29-11.htm">Proverbs 29:11</a>. The idea seems to be that a statesman or councilor gives wise advice to a monarch, which the latter takes in bad part, and shows strong resentment against the person who offered it. Now, when a man knows himself to be in the right, and yet finds his counsel rejected, perhaps with scorn and reproach added, he is naturally prone to feel sore, and to show by some overt act his sense of the ill treatment which he has received. But what says wisdom? <span class="cmt_word">Leave not thy place</span> (<span class="accented">makom</span>); <span class="accented">i.e.</span> position, pest, office. Do not hastily resign the situation at court to which you have been appointed. Some, not so suitably, take the expression, "leave thy place," figuratively, as equivalent to "give way to anger, renounce the temper which becomes you, lose your self-possession." But Wright, from the analogous use of <span class="accented">matstsale</span> and <span class="accented">maamad</span> in <a href="/isaiah/22-19.htm">Isaiah 22:19</a>, confirms the interpretation which we have adopted. Compare the advice in <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-3.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:3</a>, where, however, the idea is rather of open rebellion than of a resentment which shows itself by withdrawal. Origen ('De Princip.,' 3:2) explained "the spirit of the ruler" to be the evil spirit; and Gregory, commenting on this passage, writes ('Moral.,' 3:43), "As though he had said in plain words, 'If thou perceivest the spirit of the tempter to prevail against thee in aught, quit not the lowliness of penitence;' and that it was the abasement of penitence that he called 'our place,' he shows by the words that follow, 'for healing [Vulgate] pacifieth great offences.' For what else is the humility of mourning, save the remedy of sin?" (Oxford transl.). <span class="cmt_word">For yielding pacifieth great offenses</span>. <span class="accented">Marpe</span>, "yielding," is rendered "healing" by the versions. Thus <span class="greek">ἴαμα</span> (Septuagint); <span class="accented">euratio</span> (Vulgate). But this translation is not so suitable as that of Symmachus, <span class="greek">σωφροσύνη</span>, "moderation." The word is used in the sense of" gentleness," "meekness," in <a href="/proverbs/14-30.htm">Proverbs 14:30</a>; <a href="/proverbs/15-4.htm">Proverbs 15:4</a>; and the gnome expresses the truth that a calm, conciliating spirit, not prone to take offence, but patient under trying circumstances, obviates great sins. The sins are those of the subject. This quiet resignation saves him from conspiracy, rebellion, treason, etc., into which his untempered resentment might hurry him. We may compare <a href="/proverbs/15-1.htm">Proverbs 15:1</a> and Proverbs 25:15; and Horace, 'Cam.,' 3. 3, "Justum et tenacem propositi virum," etc. <p><span class="accented">"The man whose soul is firm and strong,<br />Bows not to any tyrant's frown,<br />And on the rabble's clamorous throng<br />In proud disdain looks coldly down."</span><br /><br />(<span class="note_acc">Stanley.</span>) They who regard the "offenses" as those of the ruler explain them to mean oppression and injustice; but it seems plain from the run of the sentence that the minister, not the monarch, is primarily in the mind of the writer, though, of course, it is quite true that the submission of the former might save the ruler from the commission of some wrong. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/ecclesiastes/10-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">If</span><br /><span class="heb">אִם־</span> <span class="translit">(’im-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the ruler’s</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמּוֹשֵׁל֙</span> <span class="translit">(ham·mō·wō·šêl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4910.htm">Strong's 4910: </a> </span><span class="str2">To rule, have dominion, reign</span><br /><br /><span class="word">temper</span><br /><span class="heb">ר֤וּחַ</span> <span class="translit">(rū·aḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7307.htm">Strong's 7307: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wind, breath, exhalation, life, anger, unsubstantiality, a region of the sky, spirit</span><br /><br /><span class="word">flares</span><br /><span class="heb">תַּעֲלֶ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(ta·‘ă·leh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5927.htm">Strong's 5927: </a> </span><span class="str2">To ascend, in, actively</span><br /><br /><span class="word">against you,</span><br /><span class="heb">עָלֶ֔יךָ</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·le·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">do not</span><br /><span class="heb">אַל־</span> <span class="translit">(’al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_408.htm">Strong's 408: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">abandon</span><br /><span class="heb">תַּנַּ֑ח</span> <span class="translit">(tan·naḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect Jussive - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3240.htm">Strong's 3240: </a> </span><span class="str2">Bestow, cast down, lay down, up, leave off, let alone remain, pacify, place, </span><br /><br /><span class="word">your post,</span><br /><span class="heb">מְקוֹמְךָ֖</span> <span class="translit">(mə·qō·wm·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4725.htm">Strong's 4725: </a> </span><span class="str2">A standing, a spot, a condition</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(kî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">calmness</span><br /><span class="heb">מַרְפֵּ֔א</span> <span class="translit">(mar·pê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4832.htm">Strong's 4832: </a> </span><span class="str2">Curative, a medicine, a cure, deliverance, placidity</span><br /><br /><span class="word">{lays} great</span><br /><span class="heb">גְּדוֹלִֽים׃</span> <span class="translit">(gə·ḏō·w·lîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1419.htm">Strong's 1419: </a> </span><span class="str2">Great, older, insolent</span><br /><br /><span class="word">offenses</span><br /><span class="heb">חֲטָאִ֥ים</span> <span class="translit">(ḥă·ṭā·’îm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2399.htm">Strong's 2399: </a> </span><span class="str2">A crime, its penalty</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to rest.</span><br /><span class="heb">יַנִּ֖יחַ</span> <span class="translit">(yan·nî·aḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3240.htm">Strong's 3240: </a> </span><span class="str2">Bestow, cast down, lay down, up, leave off, let alone remain, pacify, place, </span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/10-4.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/10-4.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/10-4.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/10-4.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/10-4.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/ecclesiastes/10-4.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ecclesiastes/10-4.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/ecclesiastes/10-4.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/ecclesiastes/10-4.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/ecclesiastes/10-4.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-4.htm">OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 10:4 If the spirit of the ruler rises (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 10:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 10:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 10:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 10:5" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>