Ecclesiastes 10:17Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Douay-RheimsHebrew (Masoretic text)

Blessed is the land, whose king is noble, and whose princes eat in due season for refreshment, and not for riotousness.
Douay-Rheims

אַשְׁרֵ֣יךְ אֶ֔רֶץ שֶׁמַּלְכֵּ֖ךְ בֶּן־חוֹרִ֑ים וְשָׂרַ֙יִךְ֙ בָּעֵ֣ת יֹאכֵ֔לוּ בִּגְבוּרָ֖ה וְלֹ֥א בַשְּׁתִֽי׃
Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

3 Church Fathers comment on this verse

Augustine of Hippo
Gregory the Wonderworker
Ireneus (Orda)

Augustine of Hippo

5th centuryChurch Father

It is particularly important to emphasize the distinction between the two cities—the one ruled by the devil and the other by Christ, along with their respective sovereigns. As Ecclesiastes declares, "Woe to thee, O earth, when thy king is a youth, and when thy princes eat early! Good to thee, O land, when thy king is of a noble race, and thy princes eat in time, for refreshment, and not for satiety!" (Ecclesiastes 10:16-17). The devil is referred to as a youth, embodying the folly, arrogance, lack of decorum, and other flaws typically associated with that stage of life. In contrast, Christ is depicted as the son of nobility, descending from the holy patriarchs of the free city, from whom He was born in the flesh.

Gregory the Wonderworker

3rd centuryChurch Father

In contrast, I regard as blessed that fruitful land where the sovereign is the offspring of the free, and where those esteemed to govern experience abundant blessings in their rightful seasons.

Ireneus (Orda)

19th centuryCommentator

The heart bestows strength upon the wise, while the foolish find themselves constantly rebuking their own actions and words. The preacher illustrates this through personal observations, particularly in the dynamics between those in authority and their subordinates. The anger and errors of leaders can lead to significant negative outcomes; thus, it is essential to respond to such anger with composure, as mistakes born from rage can damage all relationships, ultimately causing adverse repercussions for those under their guidance.

Read more (174 words)

Following this, a series of proverbs reveals that folly ultimately harms the fool himself. It is unnecessary to engage in activities when one is aware of the potential dangers involved; rather, one should take proactive steps to fulfill their responsibilities. When an individual possesses skills that are not utilized due to irrationality, they remain ineffective. The words of a fool bear consequences that negatively impact him, as his utterances lack reason. He tends to speak excessively, while a wise person exercises prudence, recognizing that neither from oneself nor from others can one predict future events.

A wise individual walks a path of integrity, whereas a fool meanders through confusion. A nation suffers when governed by youthful leaders who prioritize self-indulgence over the welfare of the country. The unfortunate outcomes of such leadership result in the deterioration of the state due to carelessness among rulers, along with extravagance and corruption among officials who seek financial gain. However, it is always wise to refrain from speaking ill of authority, as this poses risks to one’s safety.

Cross references

Passages read together with this verse.