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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 />Even as fools walk along the road, they lack sense and show everyone how stupid they are.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/10.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />You can identify fools just by the way they walk down the street!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/10.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Even when the fool walks on the road, he lacks sense, and he says to everyone that he is a fool.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Even as the fool walks along the road, his sense is lacking, and he shows everyone that he is a fool.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/10.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Yea also, when he that is a fool walketh by the way, his wisdom faileth <i>him</i>, and he saith to every one <i>that</i> he <i>is</i> a fool.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/ecclesiastes/10.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Even when a fool walks along the way, He lacks wisdom, And he shows everyone <i>that</i> he <i>is</i> a fool.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/ecclesiastes/10.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Even when the fool walks along the road, his sense is lacking, and he demonstrates to everyone <i>that</i> he is a fool.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/10.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Even when the fool walks along the road, his sense is lacking and he demonstrates to everyone that he is a fool.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/ecclesiastes/10.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Even when the fool walks along the road his sense is lacking, and he demonstrates to everyone <i>that</i> he is a fool.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Even when the simpleminded fool walks along the road, his heart lacks <i>wisdom</i>, and he says to all <i>that</i> he is a simpleminded fool.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Even when a fool walks along the road, his [common] sense <i>and</i> good judgment fail him and he demonstrates to everyone that he is a fool.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Even when the fool walks along the road, his heart lacks sense, and he shows everyone he is a fool.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Even when the fool walks along the road, his heart lacks sense, and he shows everyone he is a fool. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/ecclesiastes/10.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Yea also, when the fool walketh by the way, his understanding faileth him, and he saith to every one that he is a fool.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Fools show their stupidity by the way they live; it's easy to see they have no sense. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/ecclesiastes/10.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Yea also, when the fool walketh by the way, his understanding faileth him, and he saith to every one that he is a fool.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/ecclesiastes/10.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Even when a fool goes walking, he has no sense and shows everyone else that he's a fool.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Their stupidity will be evident even to strangers they meet along the way; they let everyone know that they are fools. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/ecclesiastes/10.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Furthermore, the way a fool lives shows he has no sense; he proclaims to everyone that he's a fool.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Even as the fool walks along the road, his sense is lacking, and he shows everyone that he is a fool.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/ecclesiastes/10.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Even when a fool walks along the road he lacks sense, and shows everyone what a fool he is. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/ecclesiastes/10.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Yes also, when the fool walks by the way, his understanding fails him, and he says to everyone that he is a fool.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Also, when he that is a fool walketh by the way, his wisdom faileth him, and he saith to every one that he is a fool.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/ecclesiastes/10.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Yes also when the fool walks by the way, his understanding fails him, and he says to everyone that he is a fool. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And also, when he that is a fool "" Is walking in the way, his heart is lacking, "" And he has said to everyone, “He [is] a fool.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And also, when he that is a fool Is walking in the way, his heart is lacking, And he hath said to every one, 'He is a fool.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And also as the foolish one went in the way, his heart was wanting, and he said to all, It is folly.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Yea, and the fool when he walketh in the way, whereas be himself is a fool, esteemeth all men fools. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Moreover, as a foolish man is walking along the way, even though he himself is unwise, he considers everyone to be foolish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/ecclesiastes/10.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Even when walking in the street the fool, lacking understanding, calls everyone a fool.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/ecclesiastes/10.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Even when fools walk on the road, they lack sense, and show to everyone that they are fools.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Yea also, when the fool walks by the way, he lacks wisdom, and whatever he reasons is folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And also a fool whenever he goes on the road, lacks his heart, and all that he thinks is foolishness<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/ecclesiastes/10.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Yea also, when a fool walketh by the way, his understanding faileth him, and he saith to every one that he is a fool.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Yea, and whenever a fool walks by the way, his heart will fail him, and all that he thinks of is folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/ecclesiastes/10-3.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=1856" 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">2</span>A wise man’s heart inclines to the right, but the heart of a fool to the left. <span class="reftext">3</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1571.htm" title="1571: wə·ḡam- (Conj) -- Also, moreover, yea. ">Even</a> <a href="/hebrew/5530.htm" title="5530: kə·šɛ·has·så̄·ḵå̄l (Prep-k, Pro-r:: N-ms) -- A fool. From cakal; silly.">as the fool</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: hō·lêḵ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">walks</a> <a href="/hebrew/1870.htm" title="1870: bad·de·reḵ (Prep-b, Art:: N-cs) -- Way, road, distance, journey, manner. From darak; a road; figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb.">along the road,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3820.htm" title="3820: lib·bōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- A form of lebab; the heart; also used very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything.">his sense</a> <a href="/hebrew/2638.htm" title="2638: ḥā·sêr (Adj-ms) -- Needy, lacking, in want of. From chacer; lacking; hence, without.">is lacking,</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: wə·’ā·mar (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">and he shows</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: lak·kōl (Prep-l, Art:: N-ms) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">everyone</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hū (Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. ">that he</a> <a href="/hebrew/5530.htm" title="5530: sā·ḵāl (N-ms) -- A fool. From cakal; silly.">is a fool.</a> </span><span class="reftext">4</span>If the ruler’s temper flares against you, do not abandon your post, for calmness lays great offenses to rest.…<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/13-16.htm">Proverbs 13:16</a></span><br />Every prudent man acts with knowledge, but a fool displays his folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/14-7.htm">Proverbs 14:7</a></span><br />Stay away from a foolish man; you will gain no knowledge from his speech.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/26-11.htm">Proverbs 26:11</a></span><br />As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/12-23.htm">Proverbs 12:23</a></span><br />A shrewd man keeps his knowledge to himself, but a foolish heart proclaims its folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/15-21.htm">Proverbs 15:21</a></span><br />Folly is joy to one who lacks judgment, but a man of understanding walks a straight path.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/18-2.htm">Proverbs 18:2</a></span><br />A fool does not delight in understanding, but only in airing his opinions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/10-14.htm">Proverbs 10:14</a></span><br />The wise store up knowledge, but the mouth of the fool invites destruction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/17-28.htm">Proverbs 17:28</a></span><br />Even a fool is considered wise if he keeps silent, and discerning when he holds his tongue.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/19-3.htm">Proverbs 19:3</a></span><br />A man’s own folly subverts his way, yet his heart rages against the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/28-26.htm">Proverbs 28:26</a></span><br />He who trusts in himself is a fool, but one who walks in wisdom will be safe.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-26.htm">Matthew 7:26</a></span><br />But everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-20.htm">1 Corinthians 1:20</a></span><br />Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/3-18.htm">1 Corinthians 3:18-19</a></span><br />Let no one deceive himself. If any of you thinks he is wise in this age, he should become a fool, so that he may become wise. / For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-5.htm">James 1:5</a></span><br />Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/3-13.htm">James 3:13</a></span><br />Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Yes also, when he that is a fool walks by the way, his wisdom fails him, and he said to every one that he is a fool.</p><p class="hdg">wisdom</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/5-3.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:3</a></b></br> For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool's voice <i>is known</i> by multitude of words.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/13-16.htm">Proverbs 13:16</a></b></br> Every prudent <i>man</i> dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open <i>his</i> folly.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/18-2.htm">Proverbs 18:2,6</a></b></br> A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/romans/5-8.htm">Demonstrates</a> <a href="/psalms/143-7.htm">Faileth</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-6.htm">Fails</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-2.htm">Fool</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-2.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-2.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-15.htm">Lacking</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-13.htm">Road</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-1.htm">Sense</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-5.htm">Shows</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-2.htm">Stupid</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-2.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-14.htm">Walketh</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-8.htm">Walking</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-14.htm">Walks</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-13.htm">Way</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-1.htm">Wisdom</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/romans/3-5.htm">Demonstrates</a> <a href="/songs/4-2.htm">Faileth</a> <a href="/isaiah/15-6.htm">Fails</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-6.htm">Fool</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-6.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-19.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/isaiah/59-15.htm">Lacking</a> <a href="/isaiah/7-3.htm">Road</a> <a href="/isaiah/11-2.htm">Sense</a> <a href="/isaiah/5-16.htm">Shows</a> <a href="/isaiah/19-11.htm">Stupid</a> <a href="/isaiah/5-13.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/isaiah/33-15.htm">Walketh</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-7.htm">Walking</a> <a href="/isaiah/33-15.htm">Walks</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-15.htm">Way</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-10.htm">Wisdom</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>Even as the fool walks along the road</b><br>This phrase suggests a public setting, indicating that the actions of the fool are visible to others. In ancient Israel, roads were common places for travel and interaction, symbolizing life's journey. The fool's behavior is not hidden but evident to all who observe him. Biblically, the "fool" often represents someone who rejects wisdom and understanding, as seen in <a href="/proverbs/1-7.htm">Proverbs 1:7</a>, where the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. The road can also symbolize the path of life, where choices reflect one's character and wisdom.<p><b>his sense is lacking</b><br>This indicates a deficiency in judgment or discernment. In the Hebrew context, "sense" often refers to the heart or mind, the center of decision-making. The fool's lack of sense is not merely intellectual but moral and spiritual, reflecting a failure to live according to God's wisdom. This aligns with <a href="/proverbs/28-26.htm">Proverbs 28:26</a>, which warns that those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe. The fool's lack of sense is a spiritual condition, highlighting the importance of seeking divine wisdom.<p><b>and he shows everyone that he is a fool</b><br>The fool's actions are self-revealing, making his folly apparent to all. This public display of foolishness contrasts with the wise, who are often discreet and prudent. In biblical literature, a fool's behavior is often characterized by arrogance, rashness, and a lack of self-control, as seen in <a href="/proverbs/12-23.htm">Proverbs 12:23</a>, where a prudent man conceals knowledge, but the heart of fools proclaims folly. This phrase underscores the biblical principle that one's actions reveal their true character, and it serves as a warning to live wisely and righteously.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_fool.htm">The Fool</a></b><br>In the context of Ecclesiastes, the fool represents someone who lacks wisdom and understanding, often making poor decisions and displaying a lack of discernment.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_road.htm">The Road</a></b><br>Symbolically, the road represents the journey of life. The actions and decisions made along this path reveal one's character and wisdom.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally attributed as the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon is known for his wisdom. His observations in this book often contrast wisdom with folly.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a></b><br>While not directly mentioned in this verse, Jerusalem is the central place of Solomon's reign and the backdrop for much of his wisdom literature.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_observers.htm">The Observers</a></b><br>The people who witness the fool's behavior, representing society's ability to discern wisdom from folly.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_visibility_of_folly.htm">The Visibility of Folly</a></b><br>The actions of a fool are evident to all. Our behavior on life's journey reveals our character and wisdom.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_wisdom.htm">The Importance of Wisdom</a></b><br>Wisdom is not just intellectual knowledge but practical understanding that guides our daily decisions and interactions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/seeking_godly_wisdom.htm">Seeking Godly Wisdom</a></b><br>As believers, we are called to seek wisdom from God, who generously provides it to those who ask in faith.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_foolishness.htm">The Consequences of Foolishness</a></b><br>Foolish actions not only affect the individual but also impact those around them, often leading to negative consequences.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/living_wisely_in_community.htm">Living Wisely in Community</a></b><br>Our actions are observed by others, and living wisely can be a testimony to God's work in our lives.<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/what_does_the_bible_say_about_tomorrow.htm">What does fearing God mean about avoiding extremes?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_stance_on_overthinking.htm">What defines spiritual sickness?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_wisdom_futile_in_ecclesiastes_2_15-16.htm">Does Ecclesiastes 2:15-16 contradict Proverbs' exaltation of wisdom by calling wisdom ultimately futile?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_job_5_3_show_a_fool's_brief_rise.htm">In Job 5:3, how could a fool suddenly flourish only to be cursed, and does this reflect any historical or archeological anomaly?</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>(3) <span class= "bld">That he is a fool.</span>--In Hebrew, as in English, the antecedent of "he" may be taken differently, and so the Vulg. and other authorities understand the verse as meaning that the fool in his self-conceit attributes folly to everyone else. But it is better, as well as more obvious, to take the verse of the self-betrayal of the fool (<a href="/proverbs/13-16.htm" title="Every prudent man deals with knowledge: but a fool lays open his folly.">Proverbs 13:16</a>; <a href="/proverbs/17-28.htm" title="Even a fool, when he holds his peace, is counted wise: and he that shuts his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.">Proverbs 17:28</a>; <a href="/proverbs/18-2.htm" title="A fool has no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.">Proverbs 18:2</a>).<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 3.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Yea, also, when he that is a fool walketh by the way.</span> As soon as ever he sets his foot outside the house, and mixes with other men, he exhibits his folly. If he remained at home he might keep his real ineptitude concealed; but such persons as he are unconscious of their inanity, and take no pains to hide it; they go where, they act as, their foolish heart prompts them. There is no metaphor here, nor any reference to the fool being put in the right path and perversely turning away. It is simply, as the Septuagint renders, <span class="greek">Καί γε ἐν ὁδῷ ὅταν ἄφρων πορεύηται</span> <span class="cmt_word">His wisdom</span> (Hebrew, <span class="accented">heart</span>) <span class="accented"><span class="cmt_word"></span>faileth him</span>. Ginsburg and others render, <span class="accented">"He</span> lacketh his <span class="accented">mind,"</span> want of heart being continually taken in the Book of Proverbs as equivalent to deficiency of understanding (<a href="/proverbs/6-32.htm">Proverbs 6:32</a>; <a href="/proverbs/7-7.htm">Proverbs 7:7</a>, etc.). But Delitzsch and Wright consider the order of the words and the suffix to be against this view, and they translate as the Authorized Version, <span class="accented">i.e.</span> his understanding is at fault. <span class="cmt_word">And he saith to every one that he is a fool.</span> The sentence is ambiguous, and capable of two interpretations. The Vulgate has, <span class="accented">Cumipse insipiens sit, omnes stultos aestimat</span>. Jerome quotes Symmachus as rendering, "He suspects all men that they are fools." According to this view, the fool in his conceit thinks that every one he meets is a fool, says this in his mind, like the sluggard in <a href="/proverbs/26-16.htm">Proverbs 26:16</a>, "Who is wiser in his own conceit than ten men that can render a reason." Another explanation, more closely in accordance with the foregoing clauses, takes the pronoun in "he is a fool" to refer to the man himself, <span class="accented">se</span> <span class="accented">esse stultum</span> (comp. <a href="/psalms/9.htm">Psalm 9</a>:21 [20], "Let the nations know themselves to be but men"). As soon as he goes abroad, his words and actions display his real character; he betrays himself; he says virtually to all with whom he has to do, "I am a fool" (comp. <a href="/proverbs/13-16.htm">Proverbs 13:16</a>; <a href="/proverbs/18-2.htm">Proverbs 18:2</a>). It is hard to say to which interpretation the Septuagint inclines, giving, <span class="greek">Καὶ α} λογιεῖται πάντα ἀφροσύνη ἐστίν</span>, "And all that he will think is folly." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/ecclesiastes/10-3.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">Even</span><br /><span class="heb">וְגַם־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ḡam-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1571.htm">Strong's 1571: </a> </span><span class="str2">Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and</span><br /><br /><span class="word">as the fool</span><br /><span class="heb">כְּשֶׁסָּכָ֥ל‪‬</span> <span class="translit">(kə·šes·sā·ḵāl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k, Pronoun - relative | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5530.htm">Strong's 5530: </a> </span><span class="str2">A fool</span><br /><br /><span class="word">walks</span><br /><span class="heb">הֹלֵ֖ךְ</span> <span class="translit">(hō·lêḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go, come, walk</span><br /><br /><span class="word">along the road,</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּדֶּ֛רֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(bad·de·reḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1870.htm">Strong's 1870: </a> </span><span class="str2">A road, a course of life, mode of action</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his sense</span><br /><span class="heb">לִבּ֣וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(lib·bōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3820.htm">Strong's 3820: </a> </span><span class="str2">The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is lacking,</span><br /><span class="heb">חָסֵ֑ר</span> <span class="translit">(ḥā·sêr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2638.htm">Strong's 2638: </a> </span><span class="str2">Needy, lacking, in want of</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and he shows</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאָמַ֥ר</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’ā·mar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">everyone</span><br /><span class="heb">לַכֹּ֖ל</span> <span class="translit">(lak·kōl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">that he</span><br /><span class="heb">הֽוּא׃</span> <span class="translit">(hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, self, the same, this, that, as, are</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is a fool.</span><br /><span class="heb">סָכָ֥ל</span> <span class="translit">(sā·ḵāl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5530.htm">Strong's 5530: </a> </span><span class="str2">A fool</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/10-3.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:3 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/10-3.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:3 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/10-3.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:3 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/10-3.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:3 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/10-3.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:3 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/ecclesiastes/10-3.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:3 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ecclesiastes/10-3.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:3 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/ecclesiastes/10-3.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:3 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/ecclesiastes/10-3.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:3 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/ecclesiastes/10-3.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:3 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-3.htm">OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 10:3 Yes also when the fool walks (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 10:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 10:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 10:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 10:4" /></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>