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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 10:18 Through laziness the roof caves in, and in the hands of the idle, the house leaks.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ecclesiastes/10-18.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/18/21_Ecc_10_18.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ecclesiastes 10:18 - Wisdom and Folly" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Through laziness the roof caves in, and in the hands of the idle, the house leaks." /><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'; 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because of idle hands, the house leaks.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/10.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Laziness leads to a sagging roof; idleness leads to a leaky house.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/10.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Through sloth the roof sinks in, and through indolence the house leaks.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Through laziness the roof caves in, and in the hands of the idle, the house leaks.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/10.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />By much slothfulness the building decayeth; and through idleness of the hands the house droppeth through.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/ecclesiastes/10.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Because of laziness the building decays, And through idleness of hands the house leaks.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/ecclesiastes/10.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Through extreme laziness the rafters sag, and through idleness the house leaks.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/10.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Through indolence the rafters sag, and through slackness the house leaks.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/ecclesiastes/10.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Through indolence the rafters sag, and through slackness the house leaks.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Through indolence the beams sag, and through slack hands the house leaks.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Through laziness the rafters [of state affairs] decay <i>and</i> the roof sags, and through idleness [the roof of] the house leaks.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Because of laziness the roof caves in, and because of negligent hands the house leaks.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Because of laziness the roof caves in, and because of negligent hands the house leaks. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/ecclesiastes/10.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />By slothfulness the roof sinketh in; and through idleness of the hands the house leaketh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Some people are too lazy to fix a leaky roof--then the house collapses. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/ecclesiastes/10.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />By slothfulness the roof sinketh in; and through idleness of the hands the house leaketh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/ecclesiastes/10.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />A roof sags because of laziness. A house leaks because of idle hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />When you are too lazy to repair your roof, it will leak, and the house will fall in. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/ecclesiastes/10.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Through slothfulness the roof deteriorates, and a house leaks because of idleness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Through laziness the roof caves in, and in the hands of the idle, the house leaks.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/ecclesiastes/10.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Because of laziness the roof caves in, and because of idle hands the house leaks. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/ecclesiastes/10.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />By slothfulness the roof sinks in; and through idleness of the hands the house leaks.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />By much slothfulness the building decayeth; and through idleness of the hands the house droppeth through.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/ecclesiastes/10.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />By slothfulness the roof sinks in; and through idleness of the hands the house leaks. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />By slothfulness is the wall brought low, "" And by idleness of the hands the house drops.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> By slothfulness is the wall brought low, And by idleness of the hands doth the house drop.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />By sloth the frame work will pine away; and by the letting down of the hands, the house will drop.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />By slothfulness a building shall be brought down, and through the weakness of hands, the house shall drop through. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />By laziness, a framework shall be brought down, and by the weakness of hands, a house shall collapse through.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/ecclesiastes/10.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Because of laziness, the rafters sag; when hands are slack, the house leaks. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/ecclesiastes/10.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Through sloth the roof sinks in, and through indolence the house leaks.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />By slothfulness a roof shall be brought down; and through idleness of hands water drips through.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />By slackness a roof will be lowered and by slackness of hands a house will drop<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/ecclesiastes/10.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />By slothfulness the rafters sink in; And through idleness of the hands the house leaketh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />By slothful neglect a building will be brought low: and by idleness of the hands the house will fall to pieces.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/ecclesiastes/10-18.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=1975" 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">17</span>Blessed are you, O land whose king is a son of nobles, and whose princes feast at the proper time—for strength and not for drunkenness. <span class="reftext">18</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/6103.htm" title="6103: ba·‘ă·ṣal·ta·yim (Prep-b:: N-fd) -- Sluggishness. Feminine of atsel; indolence.">Through laziness</a> <a href="/hebrew/4746.htm" title="4746: ham·mə·qā·reh (Art:: N-ms) -- Beam work. From qarah; properly, something meeting, i.e. A frame.">the roof</a> <a href="/hebrew/4355.htm" title="4355: yim·maḵ (V-Nifal-Imperf-3ms) -- To be low or humiliated. A primitive root; to tumble; figuratively, to perish.">caves in,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: yā·ḏa·yim (N-fd) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">and in the hands</a> <a href="/hebrew/8220.htm" title="8220: ū·ḇə·šip̄·lūṯ (Conj-w, Prep-b:: N-fsc) -- A sinking. From shaphel; remissness.">of the idle,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1004.htm" title="1004: hab·bā·yiṯ (Art:: N-ms) -- A house. Probably from banah abbreviated; a house.">the house</a> <a href="/hebrew/1811.htm" title="1811: yiḏ·lōp̄ (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To drip, drop. A primitive root; to drip; by implication, to weep.">leaks.</a> </span><span class="reftext">19</span>A feast is prepared for laughter, and wine makes life merry, but money is the answer for everything.…<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/24-30.htm">Proverbs 24:30-34</a></span><br />I went past the field of a slacker and by the vineyard of a man lacking judgment. / Thorns had grown up everywhere, thistles had covered the ground, and the stone wall was broken down. / I observed and took it to heart; I looked and received instruction: ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/6-6.htm">Proverbs 6:6-11</a></span><br />Walk in the manner of the ant, O slacker; observe its ways and become wise. / Without a commander, without an overseer or ruler, / it prepares its provisions in summer; it gathers its food at harvest. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/19-15.htm">Proverbs 19:15</a></span><br />Laziness brings on deep sleep, and an idle soul will suffer hunger.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/10-4.htm">Proverbs 10:4</a></span><br />Idle hands make one poor, but diligent hands bring wealth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/12-24.htm">Proverbs 12:24</a></span><br />The hand of the diligent will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/13-4.htm">Proverbs 13:4</a></span><br />The slacker craves yet has nothing, but the soul of the diligent is fully satisfied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/20-4.htm">Proverbs 20:4</a></span><br />The slacker does not plow in season; at harvest time he looks, but nothing is there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/21-25.htm">Proverbs 21:25</a></span><br />The craving of the slacker kills him because his hands refuse to work.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/25-26.htm">Matthew 25:26-30</a></span><br />‘You wicked, lazy servant!’ replied his master. ‘You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed. / Then you should have deposited my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received it back with interest. / Therefore take the talent from him and give it to the one who has ten talents. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/12-47.htm">Luke 12:47-48</a></span><br />That servant who knows his master’s will but does not get ready or follow his instructions will be beaten with many blows. / But the one who unknowingly does things worthy of punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and from him who has been entrusted with much, even more will be demanded.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/16-10.htm">Luke 16:10-12</a></span><br />Whoever is faithful with very little will also be faithful with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. / So if you have not been faithful with worldly wealth, who will entrust you with true riches? / And if you have not been faithful with the belongings of another, who will give you belongings of your own?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/5-8.htm">1 Timothy 5:8</a></span><br />If anyone does not provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_thessalonians/3-10.htm">2 Thessalonians 3:10-12</a></span><br />For even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “If anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat.” / For we hear that some of you are leading undisciplined lives, accomplishing nothing, but being busybodies. / We command and urge such people by our Lord Jesus Christ to begin working quietly to earn their own living.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/3-23.htm">Colossians 3:23-24</a></span><br />Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, as for the Lord and not for men, / because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/4-28.htm">Ephesians 4:28</a></span><br />He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing good with his own hands, that he may have something to share with the one in need.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">By much slothfulness the building decays; and through idleness of the hands the house drops through.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/12-24.htm">Proverbs 12:24</a></b></br> The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/14-1.htm">Proverbs 14:1</a></b></br> Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/20-4.htm">Proverbs 20:4</a></b></br> The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; <i>therefore</i> shall he beg in harvest, and <i>have</i> nothing.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/9-14.htm">Building</a> <a href="/job/14-11.htm">Decayeth</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-14.htm">Drop</a> <a href="/songs/5-5.htm">Droppeth</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-12.htm">Falleth</a> <a href="/1_kings/7-28.htm">Framework</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-12.htm">Fulness</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-5.htm">Goes</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-1.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-4.htm">House</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-15.htm">Idle</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-27.htm">Idleness</a> <a href="/ezekiel/27-9.htm">Leaks</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-6.htm">Low</a> <a href="/1_kings/7-7.htm">Rafters</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-24.htm">Roof</a> <a href="/psalms/69-14.htm">Sink</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-18.htm">Sinketh</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-18.htm">Sinks</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-9.htm">Slackness</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-27.htm">Sloth</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-15.htm">Slothfulness</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-8.htm">Wall</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-6.htm">Water</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-15.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/isaiah/44-26.htm">Building</a> <a href="/john/11-39.htm">Decayeth</a> <a href="/songs/4-11.htm">Drop</a> <a href="/songs/5-5.htm">Droppeth</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/11-3.htm">Falleth</a> <a href="/jeremiah/20-2.htm">Framework</a> <a href="/songs/5-12.htm">Fulness</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/12-5.htm">Goes</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/11-6.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/12-3.htm">House</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/11-6.htm">Idle</a> <a href="/ezekiel/16-49.htm">Idleness</a> <a href="/ezekiel/27-9.htm">Leaks</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/12-4.htm">Low</a> <a href="/songs/1-17.htm">Rafters</a> <a href="/songs/7-9.htm">Roof</a> <a href="/jeremiah/51-64.htm">Sink</a> <a href="/amos/9-5.htm">Sinketh</a> <a href="/isaiah/5-24.htm">Sinks</a> <a href="/jeremiah/48-10.htm">Slackness</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-15.htm">Sloth</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-24.htm">Slothfulness</a> <a href="/songs/2-9.htm">Wall</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/11-3.htm">Water</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/11-5.htm">Work</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>Through laziness the roof caves in</b><br>This phrase highlights the consequences of neglect and slothfulness. In ancient times, homes were often constructed with flat roofs made of beams covered with branches and mud. Regular maintenance was necessary to prevent deterioration. The imagery of a collapsing roof serves as a metaphor for the broader consequences of laziness in one's life, emphasizing the need for diligence and responsibility. <a href="/proverbs/24-30.htm">Proverbs 24:30-34</a> similarly warns against the dangers of sloth, illustrating how neglect leads to ruin. This principle can be applied spiritually, as neglecting one's spiritual life can lead to moral and spiritual decay.<p><b>and in the hands of the idle, the house leaks</b><br>The "hands of the idle" suggests a lack of action and care, resulting in a house that is not properly maintained. In the cultural context, a leaking house would be a significant problem, leading to further damage and discomfort. This phrase underscores the importance of active stewardship and the consequences of failing to address issues promptly. The New Testament echoes this sentiment in <a href="/james/2-17.htm">James 2:17</a>, where faith without works is described as dead. The imagery of a leaking house can also be seen as a metaphor for a life that is not built on a solid foundation, reminiscent of Jesus' parable of the wise and foolish builders in <a href="/matthew/7-24.htm">Matthew 7:24-27</a>.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>- Traditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. Ecclesiastes is part of the wisdom literature in the Bible.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>- The nation where Solomon reigned as king. The cultural and historical context of Israel during Solomon's time influences the themes of work and diligence found in Ecclesiastes.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_house.htm">The House</a></b><br>- Represents one's life, responsibilities, or any structure (literal or metaphorical) that requires maintenance and care.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_laziness.htm">The Consequences of Laziness</a></b><br>Laziness leads to deterioration, both physically and spiritually. Just as a neglected house falls into disrepair, so does a life that lacks diligence and responsibility.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_diligence.htm">The Importance of Diligence</a></b><br>Diligence is a virtue that maintains and builds up one's life and responsibilities. It is essential for personal growth and fulfilling God's purposes.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_maintenance.htm">Spiritual Maintenance</a></b><br>Just as a house requires regular maintenance, so does our spiritual life. Regular prayer, Bible study, and fellowship are crucial to prevent spiritual decay.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/responsibility_and_stewardship.htm">Responsibility and Stewardship</a></b><br>We are stewards of the resources and responsibilities God has given us. Being idle or neglectful can lead to loss and missed opportunities to serve God and others.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_wisdom.htm">The Role of Wisdom</a></b><br>Wisdom involves recognizing the importance of hard work and the dangers of idleness. It guides us to make choices that honor God and benefit 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/common_questions_about_proverbs.htm">What are common questions about proverbs?</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/why_does_nebuchadnezzar's_plundering_differ.htm">Why does Nebuchadnezzar's repeated plundering in 2 Chronicles 36:5-7, 10, and 18 seem inconsistent with certain Babylonian chronicles?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_theme_of_house_of_bondage.htm">What does 'lead a quiet life' mean?</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>(18) <span class= "bld">Droppeth</span>--<span class= "ital">i.e., </span>lets the rain drop through.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 18.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">By much slothfulness the building decayeth</span>. The subject is still the state. Under the image of a house which falls into ruin for lack of needful repairs, is signified the decay that surely overtakes a kingdom whose rulers are given up to indolence and debauchery, and neglect to attend to the affairs which require prompt care (comp. <a href="/amos/9-11.htm">Amos 9:11</a>). Such were they whom Amos (<a href="/amos/6-6.htm">Amos 6:6</a>) denounced, "That drink wine in bowls, and anoint themselves with the chief ointments; but they are not grieved for the affliction of Joseph." "Much slothfulness" is expressed in the original by a dual form, which gives an intensive signification. Ewald and Ginsburg take it as referring to the "two idle hands;" but the intensifications of the dual is not unprecedented (see Delitzsch, <span class="accented">in loc</span>.). The rest of this clause is more accurately rendered, <span class="accented">the rafters sink, i.e.</span> the timber framework, whether of roof or wall, gives way. This may possibly not be noticed at once, but it makes itself known unmistakably ere long. <span class="cmt_word">And through idleness of the hands the house droppeth through</span>; rather, <span class="accented">the house leaketh</span>, the roof lets in the rain. Septuagint, <span class="greek">Ἐν ἀρχία χειρῶν</span> <span class="greek">στάξει ἡ οἰκία</span>, "Through laziness of hands the house will drip." The very imperfect construction of the fiat roofs of Eastern houses demanded continual attention. Such common and annoying occurrences as a leaky roof are mentioned in the Book of Proverbs (see 19:13; 27:15). Plautus, ' Mostell.,' 1:2.28 - <p><span class="foreign">"Ventat imber, lavit parietes; perpluunt<br />Tigna; putrefacit aer operam fabri."</span> <p><span class="accented">"The rain comes down, and washes all the walls,<br />The roof is leaky, and the weather rough<br />Loosens the architect's most skilful work."</span> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/ecclesiastes/10-18.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">Through laziness</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּעֲצַלְתַּ֖יִם</span> <span class="translit">(ba·‘ă·ṣal·ta·yim)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - fd<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6103.htm">Strong's 6103: </a> </span><span class="str2">Sluggishness</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the roof</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמְּקָרֶ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(ham·mə·qā·reh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4746.htm">Strong's 4746: </a> </span><span class="str2">Something meeting, a frame</span><br /><br /><span class="word">caves in,</span><br /><span class="heb">יִמַּ֣ךְ</span> <span class="translit">(yim·maḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4355.htm">Strong's 4355: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be low or humiliated</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and in the hands</span><br /><span class="heb">יָדַ֖יִם</span> <span class="translit">(yā·ḏa·yim)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - fd<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> </span><span class="str2">A hand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the idle,</span><br /><span class="heb">וּבְשִׁפְל֥וּת</span> <span class="translit">(ū·ḇə·šip̄·lūṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8220.htm">Strong's 8220: </a> </span><span class="str2">Remissness</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the house</span><br /><span class="heb">הַבָּֽיִת׃</span> <span class="translit">(hab·bā·yiṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1004.htm">Strong's 1004: </a> </span><span class="str2">A house</span><br /><br /><span class="word">leaks.</span><br /><span class="heb">יִדְלֹ֥ף</span> <span class="translit">(yiḏ·lōp̄)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1811.htm">Strong's 1811: </a> </span><span class="str2">To drip, to weep</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/10-18.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:18 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/10-18.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:18 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/10-18.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:18 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/10-18.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:18 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/10-18.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:18 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/ecclesiastes/10-18.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:18 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ecclesiastes/10-18.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:18 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/ecclesiastes/10-18.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:18 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/ecclesiastes/10-18.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:18 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/ecclesiastes/10-18.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:18 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-18.htm">OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 10:18 By slothfulness the roof sinks in (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-17.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 10:17"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 10:17" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-19.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 10:19"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 10:19" /></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>