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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 10:15 The toil of a fool wearies him, for he does not know the way to the city.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ecclesiastes/10-15.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/15/21_Ecc_10_15.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ecclesiastes 10:15 - Wisdom and Folly" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="The toil of a fool wearies him, for he does not know the way to the city." /><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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they do not know the way to town.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/10.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Fools are so exhausted by a little work that they can’t even find their way home.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/10.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />The toil of a fool wearies him, for he does not know the way to the city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />The toil of a fool wearies him, for he does not know the way to the city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/10.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />The labour of the foolish wearieth every one of them, because he knoweth not how to go to the city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/ecclesiastes/10.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />The labor of fools wearies them, For they do not even know how to go to the city!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/ecclesiastes/10.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />The labor of a fool makes him <i>so</i> weary that he does not <i>even</i> know how to go to a city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/10.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />The toil of a fool so wearies him that he does not even know how to go to a city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/ecclesiastes/10.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />The toil of a fool <i>so</i> wearies him that he does not <i>even</i> know how to go to a city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />The labor of a fool <i>so</i> wearies him that he does not <i>even</i> know how to go to a city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />The labor of a fool so wearies him [because he is ignorant] that he does not even know how to go to a city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The struggles of fools weary them, for they don’t know how to go to the city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The struggles of fools weary them, for they don&#8217t know how to go to the city. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/ecclesiastes/10.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />The labor of fools wearieth every one of them; for he knoweth not how to go to the city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Fools wear themselves out--they don't know enough to find their way home. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/ecclesiastes/10.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />The labour of fools wearieth every one of them, for he knoweth not how to go to the city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/ecclesiastes/10.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Fools wear themselves out with hard work, because they don't even know the way to town.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Only someone too stupid to find his way home would wear himself out with work. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/ecclesiastes/10.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The work of a fool so wears him out that he can't even find his way to town.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />The toil of a fool wearies him, for he does not know the way to the city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/ecclesiastes/10.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The toil of a stupid fool wears him out, because he does not even know the way to the city. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/ecclesiastes/10.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The labor of fools wearies every one of them; for he doesn't know how to go to the city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />The labor of the foolish wearieth every one of them, because he knoweth not how to go to the city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/ecclesiastes/10.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The labor of fools wearies every one of them; for he doesn’t know how to go to the city. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />The labor of the foolish wearies him, "" In that he has not known to go to the city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> The labour of the foolish wearieth him, In that he hath not known to go unto the city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />The labor of the foolish will weary them, because he knew not to go to the city.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />The labour of fools shall afflict them that know not how to go to the city. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />The hardship of the foolish will afflict those who do not know to go into the city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/ecclesiastes/10.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The toil of fools wearies them, so they do not know even the way to town. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/ecclesiastes/10.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The toil of fools wears them out, for they do not even know the way to town.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />The labor of fools wears them out because they do not know how to buy and sell in the city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />The labors of fools weary them, for they do not know how to go to the city<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/ecclesiastes/10.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />The labour of fools wearieth every one of them, For he knoweth not how to go to the city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />The labour of fools will afflict them, <i>as that of one</i> who knows not to go to the city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/ecclesiastes/10-15.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=1950" 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">14</span>Yet the fool multiplies words. No one knows what is coming, and who can tell him what will come after him? <span class="reftext">15</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/5999.htm" title="5999: ‘ă·mal (N-msc) -- Trouble, labor, toil. From amal; toil, i.e. Wearing effort; hence, worry, wheth. Of body or mind.">The toil</a> <a href="/hebrew/3684.htm" title="3684: hak·kə·sî·lîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Stupid fellow, dullard, fool. From kacal; properly, fat, i.e. stupid or silly.">of a fool</a> <a href="/hebrew/3021.htm" title="3021: tə·yag·gə·‘en·nū (V-Piel-Imperf-3fs:: 3mse) -- To toil, grow or be weary. A primitive root; properly, to gasp; hence, to be exhausted, to tire, to toil.">wearies him,</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">for</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō- (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">he does not</a> <a href="/hebrew/3045.htm" title="3045: yā·ḏa‘ (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to know; used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially.">know</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: lā·le·ḵeṯ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">the way</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/5892.htm" title="5892: ‘îr (N-fs) -- Excitement. Or par; or ayar; from uwr a city in the widest sense.">the city.</a> </span><span class="reftext">16</span>Woe to you, O land whose king is a youth, and whose princes feast in the morning.…<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/14-24.htm">Proverbs 14:24</a></span><br />The crown of the wise is their wealth, but the effort of fools is folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/10-15.htm">Proverbs 10:15</a></span><br />The wealth of the rich man is his fortified city, but poverty is the ruin of the poor.<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/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/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/24-7.htm">Proverbs 24:7</a></span><br />Wisdom is too high for a fool; he does not open his mouth in the meeting place.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/26-16.htm">Proverbs 26:16</a></span><br />The slacker is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who answer discreetly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/5-13.htm">Isaiah 5:13</a></span><br />Therefore My people will go into exile for their lack of understanding; their dignitaries are starving and their masses are parched with thirst.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/4-6.htm">Hosea 4:6</a></span><br />My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you as My priests. Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your children.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/4-22.htm">Jeremiah 4:22</a></span><br />“For My people are fools; they have not known Me. They are foolish children, without understanding. They are skilled in doing evil, but they know not how to do good.”<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="/matthew/25-3.htm">Matthew 25:3-4</a></span><br />The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take along any extra oil. / But the wise ones took oil in flasks along with their lamps.<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/16-8.htm">Luke 16:8</a></span><br />The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the sons of this age are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the sons of light.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/1-22.htm">Romans 1:22</a></span><br />Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools,</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">The labor of the foolish wearies every one of them, because he knows not how to go to the city.</p><p class="hdg">labour</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-3.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:3,10</a></b></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… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/44-12.htm">Isaiah 44:12-17</a></b></br> The smith with the tongs both worketh in the coals, and fashioneth it with hammers, and worketh it with the strength of his arms: yea, he is hungry, and his strength faileth: he drinketh no water, and is faint… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/47-12.htm">Isaiah 47:12,13</a></b></br> Stand now with thine enchantments, and with the multitude of thy sorceries, wherein thou hast laboured from thy youth; if so be thou shalt be able to profit, if so be thou mayest prevail… </p><p class="hdg">because</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/107-4.htm">Psalm 107:4,7</a></b></br> They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way; they found no city to dwell in… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/35-8.htm">Isaiah 35:8-10</a></b></br> And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it <i>shall be</i> for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err <i>therein</i>… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/50-4.htm">Jeremiah 50:4,5</a></b></br> In those days, and in that time, saith the LORD, the children of Israel shall come, they and the children of Judah together, going and weeping: they shall go, and seek the LORD their God… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/9-15.htm">City</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-14.htm">Fool</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-14.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-6.htm">Fools</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-2.htm">Fool's</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-9.htm">Labor</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-9.htm">Toil</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-3.htm">Way</a> <a href="/isaiah/16-12.htm">Wearies</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-15.htm">Wearieth</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-8.htm">Weariness</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-10.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/songs/3-2.htm">City</a> <a href="/isaiah/32-5.htm">Fool</a> <a href="/isaiah/3-4.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/isaiah/19-11.htm">Fools</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-23.htm">Fool's</a> <a href="/isaiah/13-8.htm">Labor</a> <a href="/isaiah/43-23.htm">Toil</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/11-5.htm">Way</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/12-12.htm">Wearies</a> <a href="/isaiah/16-12.htm">Wearieth</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/12-12.htm">Weariness</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-18.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'; 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In biblical context, "fool" often refers to someone who lacks wisdom and understanding, particularly in spiritual matters. <a href="/proverbs/1-7.htm">Proverbs 1:7</a> states, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction." The fool's toil is not just physical labor but also represents a life lived without divine guidance, leading to weariness and frustration. This can be seen as a metaphor for the spiritual exhaustion that comes from pursuing worldly goals without seeking God's wisdom.<p><b>for he does not know the way to the city</b><br>In ancient times, cities were centers of safety, commerce, and community. Not knowing the way to the city implies a lack of direction and purpose. This can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual lostness, where the "city" represents the kingdom of God or a life aligned with divine purpose. In <a href="/john/14-6.htm">John 14:6</a>, Jesus says, "I am the way and the truth and the life," indicating that knowing the way to spiritual fulfillment is found in Him. The fool's ignorance of the way to the city underscores a life disconnected from God's guidance and wisdom, leading to aimless wandering and ultimate weariness.<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 that lead to weariness and frustration.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_city.htm">The City</a></b><br>Symbolically, the city represents a place of safety, provision, and community. In ancient times, cities were centers of civilization and security.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was known for his wisdom, wealth, and extensive building projects, including the Temple in Jerusalem.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a></b><br>As the central city in Solomon's kingdom, it often symbolizes spiritual truth and divine order in biblical literature.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_teacher.htm">The Teacher (Qoheleth)</a></b><br>The voice in Ecclesiastes, often identified with Solomon, who reflects on the meaning of life and the pursuit of wisdom.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_foolishness.htm">The Consequences of Foolishness</a></b><br>Foolishness leads to unnecessary toil and weariness. Without wisdom, even simple tasks become burdensome.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_direction.htm">The Importance of Direction</a></b><br>Knowing the way to the city symbolizes having a clear direction in life. Spiritual and practical guidance is essential for avoiding frustration.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/seeking_wisdom.htm">Seeking Wisdom</a></b><br>Wisdom is a divine gift that should be sought earnestly. It provides clarity and purpose, preventing the weariness that comes from aimless toil.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_community.htm">The Role of Community</a></b><br>The city represents community and support. Engaging with a community of believers can provide guidance and encouragement.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_discernment.htm">Spiritual Discernment</a></b><br>Understanding God's will and direction for our lives is crucial. Regular prayer and study of Scripture help in discerning the right path.<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's_ecclesiastes'_main_theme.htm">What is the main theme of Ecclesiastes?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_proverbs_10_15_conflict_with_jesus.htm">Proverbs 10:15 depicts wealth as a 'fortified city'--does this conflict with Jesus' warnings about riches in the New Testament?</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/nain's_role_in_the_bible.htm">What does 'Two are better than one' 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>(15) <span class= "bld">To go to the city.</span>--Evidently a proverbial expression; "is not able to find his way on a plain road." (Comp. <a href="/isaiah/35-8.htm" title="And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.">Isaiah 35:8</a>.)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 15.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">The labor of the foolish wearieth every one of them, because he knoweth not how to go to the city</span>. The transition from plural to singular is here made, <span class="accented">The work of fools wearieth him that knoweth not, etc</span>. "Fools' work" signifies, perhaps, the vain speculations about Providence which Koheleth constantly condemns; or at any rate, all vain and objectless toil and trouble. Not to know the way to the city is probably a proverbial saying expressive of gross ignorance concerning the most obvious matters. How should one, who fails in the knowledge open to all experience, be able to investigate and give an opinion about abstruse questions (comp. <a href="/isaiah/35-8.htm">Isaiah 35:8</a>)? For the last clause other interpretations have been proposed, such as, the fool knows not how to transact public business (which is introducing a modern idea); the oppressed peasant knows not the way to the town where he might obtain redress; he is so foolish that he does not understand where he may find patrons whom he may bribe to plead his cause; he is an Essene, who avoids cities; he cannot make his way to the new Jerusalem, the city of God. But these artificial explanations are to be rejected, while the simple interpretation given above is plainly consistent with the context. The lesson is not to meddle with things too high, especially when you are ignorant of the commonest matters. A little wisdom would prevent endless and useless trouble. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/ecclesiastes/10-15.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">The toil</span><br /><span class="heb">עֲמַ֥ל</span> <span class="translit">(‘ă·mal)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5999.htm">Strong's 5999: </a> </span><span class="str2">Toil, wearing effort, worry, wheth, of body, mind</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of a fool</span><br /><span class="heb">הַכְּסִילִ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(hak·kə·sî·lîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3684.htm">Strong's 3684: </a> </span><span class="str2">Stupid fellow, dullard, fool</span><br /><br /><span class="word">wearies him,</span><br /><span class="heb">תְּיַגְּעֶ֑נּוּ</span> <span class="translit">(tə·yag·gə·‘en·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person feminine singular | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3021.htm">Strong's 3021: </a> </span><span class="str2">To gasp, to be exhausted, to tire, to toil</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲשֶׁ֥ר</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·šer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - relative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he does not</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹֽא־</span> <span class="translit">(lō-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">know</span><br /><span class="heb">יָדַ֖ע</span> <span class="translit">(yā·ḏa‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3045.htm">Strong's 3045: </a> </span><span class="str2">To know</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the way</span><br /><span class="heb">לָלֶ֥כֶת</span> <span class="translit">(lā·le·ḵeṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<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">to</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶל־</span> <span class="translit">(’el-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the city.</span><br /><span class="heb">עִֽיר׃</span> <span class="translit">(‘îr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5892.htm">Strong's 5892: </a> </span><span class="str2">Excitement</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/10-15.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:15 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/10-15.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:15 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/10-15.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:15 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/10-15.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:15 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/10-15.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:15 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/ecclesiastes/10-15.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:15 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ecclesiastes/10-15.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:15 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/ecclesiastes/10-15.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:15 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/ecclesiastes/10-15.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:15 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/ecclesiastes/10-15.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:15 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-15.htm">OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 10:15 The labor of fools wearies every one (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-14.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 10:14"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 10:14" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-16.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 10:16"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 10:16" /></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>