Ecclesiastes 10:15

KJV

The labour of the foolish wearieth every one of them, because he knoweth not how to go to the city.

KJV (with Strong's)

The labour {H5999} of the foolish {H3684} wearieth {H3021} every one of them, because he knoweth {H3045} not how to go {H3212} to the city {H5892}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The efforts of a fool wear him out; he doesn't even know the way to town!

Berean Standard Bible

The toil of a fool wearies him, for he does not know the way to the city.

American Standard Version

The labor of fools wearieth every one of them; for he knoweth not how to go to the city.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ecclesiastes 10:15 powerfully illustrates the profound futility and exhausting nature of misdirected effort, asserting that the toil of the foolish brings weariness to all involved because they lack the fundamental understanding or clear direction needed to achieve their goals, symbolized by "the city." This verse underscores the critical importance of wisdom, discernment, and strategic insight in navigating life's endeavors, revealing that mere diligence without purpose leads only to frustration and unfulfilled outcomes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ecclesiastes, often attributed to "the Preacher" (Koheleth), is a profound philosophical exploration of life's meaning and purpose "under the sun"—a perspective grounded in human observation and experience, often without direct appeal to divine revelation beyond the general order of creation. Chapter 10 specifically contrasts the characteristics and consequences of wisdom versus folly, particularly as they manifest in leadership, daily conduct, and societal influence. Verses preceding this one discuss the subtle yet significant impact of a small amount of folly on a reputation for wisdom ([Ecclesiastes 10:1](/ecclesiastes/10-1 "Ecclesiastes 10:1 - A Little Folly")), and the practical differences between the wise person's heart leading them to the right and the fool's heart leading them astray ([Ecclesiastes 10:2-3](/ecclesiastes/10-2 "Ecclesiastes 10:2-3 - The Wise and Foolish Heart")). This verse, Ecclesiastes 10:15, serves as a poignant illustration of folly's practical repercussions, demonstrating how a lack of understanding renders even diligent effort unproductive and burdensome, reinforcing the chapter's overarching theme of wisdom's practical superiority in navigating life's challenges.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting of Ecclesiastes is ancient Israel, likely during or after the Solomonic era, characterized by a society with established urban centers and agricultural practices. The "city" (`ʻîyr`) in this context would have been a central hub for commerce, governance, and social life, representing a clear, desirable destination or objective. Travel to a city would require knowledge of roads, resources, and potential dangers, implying a need for planning and direction. The concept of "labour" (`ʻâmâl`) was central to daily life, often involving hard physical work in fields or crafts. The "foolish" (`kᵉçîyl`) in Hebrew wisdom literature is not merely intellectually deficient but morally and spiritually obtuse, resistant to instruction and prone to self-destructive behavior, a common archetype contrasted with the wise throughout books like [Proverbs](/proverbs/1 "The Book of Proverbs"). The Preacher's observations reflect a society where practical wisdom was essential for survival and prosperity, and where misdirected effort could lead to severe hardship and social dysfunction.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several core themes prevalent in Ecclesiastes and broader wisdom literature. Firstly, it highlights **The Futility of Misdirected Labor**, emphasizing that effort devoid of clear purpose, strategy, or understanding is not only unproductive but profoundly exhausting. The "labour of the foolish" is burdensome precisely because it lacks efficiency and direction, leading to weariness without progress. Secondly, it underscores **The Indispensability of Understanding and Direction**. The phrase "he knoweth not how to go to the city" is pivotal, symbolizing a fundamental ignorance of the path, rendering all toil fruitless. This contrasts sharply with the wisdom that provides clear guidance and direction, as seen in [Proverbs 14:8](/proverbs/14-8 "Proverbs 14:8 - The Wisdom of the Prudent"). Finally, the verse illustrates **The Practical Consequences of Folly**, serving as a sober warning that foolishness is not merely an abstract intellectual failing but results in tangible weariness, frustration, and failure to achieve even basic objectives, reinforcing the Preacher's recurring lament about the vanity of life "under the sun" when pursued without divine wisdom (e.g., [Ecclesiastes 1:2](/ecclesiastes/1-2 "Ecclesiastes 1:2 - Vanity of Vanities")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Labour (Hebrew, _ʻâmâl'_):** From a primitive root meaning "to toil," this word signifies wearing effort, often implying worry, pain, or grievousness. It describes not just work, but burdensome, often fruitless, exertion, whether physical or mental. In this context, it emphasizes the heavy, oppressive nature of the foolish person's endeavors.
* **Foolish (Hebrew, _kᵉçîyl'_):** This term denotes a specific type of fool in Hebrew wisdom literature—one who is dull, stupid, or silly, but more importantly, morally and spiritually obtuse. This is not simple ignorance but a stubborn resistance to wisdom and instruction, leading to poor judgment and self-destructive actions.
* **Knoweth (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** A fundamental verb meaning "to know," but encompassing a wide range of understanding, from simple acquaintance to deep, experiential knowledge. Here, the negation ("knoweth not") signifies a profound lack of practical understanding, discernment, or strategic insight necessary to navigate towards a goal.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The labour of the foolish":** This clause introduces the subject: the efforts and toil undertaken by those characterized by folly. The emphasis is on the *nature* of the labor—it is not merely work, but burdensome, often fruitless exertion due to the character of the one performing it.
* **"wearieth every one of them":** This describes the immediate consequence of such misdirected effort. The toil of the foolish is not only unproductive for themselves but also becomes a source of exhaustion and frustration for all who are involved or affected by it. The phrase "every one of them" can imply both the foolish individual and those around them who are impacted by their lack of direction.
* **"because he knoweth not how to go to the city.":** This final clause provides the crucial reason for the weariness and futility. The "city" serves as a powerful **metaphor** for a clear objective, a desired outcome, or a place of order and success. The problem is not a lack of effort or willingness to work, but a fundamental ignorance of the path, the strategy, or the necessary steps to achieve the goal. This highlights the critical importance of **discernment** and **practical wisdom** in all endeavors.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The central device is **Metaphor**, where "the city" serves as a powerful symbol for any clear destination, desired outcome, or well-defined objective in life. The foolish person's inability to "go to the city" metaphorically represents their lack of direction, planning, or understanding of how to achieve their goals. The phrase "wearieth every one of them" uses a form of **Hyperbole** or **Exaggeration** to emphasize the profound and widespread futility and exhaustion that results from misdirected effort, extending beyond the individual fool to those around them. Furthermore, the entire verse functions as a subtle **Contrast** to the wise person, whose labor is purposeful and productive, implicitly highlighting the value of wisdom by demonstrating the negative consequences of its absence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ecclesiastes 10:15 profoundly articulates the theological truth that effort, no matter how strenuous, is rendered futile and exhausting without the guiding hand of wisdom and understanding. It underscores the biblical principle that true productivity and peace are not merely a result of hard work, but of work rightly directed and informed by discernment. This verse resonates with the broader biblical emphasis on the importance of seeking knowledge and understanding, particularly divine wisdom, as the foundation for all successful endeavors, contrasting the clear path of the righteous with the dark and confusing way of the wicked. The weariness described is not just physical but spiritual, a soul-fatigue born of aimless striving.

* [Proverbs 14:8](/proverbs/14-8 "Proverbs 14:8 - The Wisdom of the Prudent"): "The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit."
* [Proverbs 16:3](/proverbs/16-3 "Proverbs 16:3 - Committing Works to the Lord"): "Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established."
* [Proverbs 24:3-4](/proverbs/24-3-4 "Proverbs 24:3-4 - Wisdom Builds a House"): "Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established: And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ecclesiastes 10:15 offers timeless wisdom for navigating the complexities of life, urging us to consider not just the quantity of our effort but its quality and direction. In a world that often glorifies busyness and relentless toil, this verse serves as a crucial reminder that activity without purpose leads only to exhaustion and frustration. It challenges us to pause, reflect, and ensure that our "labour" is guided by clear objectives and sound understanding, whether in our careers, relationships, personal growth, or spiritual walk. True productivity and fulfillment stem from combining diligent effort with discernment, seeking wisdom to clarify our "city" or goal, and understanding "how to go" about reaching it. This often means being humble enough to admit when we "know not," and seeking guidance from those who do, and ultimately, from the divine source of all wisdom, recognizing that true success is found in alignment with God's purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "city" am I trying to reach in my life, and do I truly "know how to go" there with clarity and purpose?**
* **Am I experiencing weariness or frustration in an area of my life due to misdirected effort rather than a lack of effort?**
* **What steps can I take to gain greater clarity, understanding, or guidance for my current endeavors, both practically and spiritually?**
* **How does my pursuit of wisdom, particularly spiritual wisdom, impact the effectiveness and fruitfulness of my daily "labour"?**

### FAQ
**What does "the city" symbolize in Ecclesiastes 10:15?**

Answer: In this context, "the city" (`ʻîyr`) serves as a powerful **metaphor** for any clear, desired destination, objective, or goal. It represents a place of order, success, or accomplishment. The foolish person's inability to "go to the city" signifies their lack of practical understanding, strategic planning, or fundamental knowledge of how to achieve their aims. It's not about literal navigation to an urban center, but about the inability to effectively pursue and reach any meaningful objective in life. This concept is echoed in other wisdom literature, where understanding one's path is crucial for success, as highlighted in [Proverbs 14:8](/proverbs/14-8 "Proverbs 14:8 - The Wisdom of the Prudent").

**What kind of "foolishness" is described here, and how is it different from simple ignorance?**

Answer: The "foolish" person (`kᵉçîyl`) in Ecclesiastes, and throughout Hebrew wisdom literature, is not merely someone who lacks information or is intellectually slow. Instead, `kᵉçîyl` refers to a moral and spiritual dullness, an obstinate resistance to wisdom, instruction, and correction. This type of fool is characterized by poor judgment, self-destructive behavior, and often an arrogance that prevents them from seeking or accepting guidance. Their "not knowing how to go to the city" is less about a lack of facts and more about a fundamental inability or unwillingness to apply practical wisdom and discernment, leading to persistent, fruitless effort. This contrasts with simple ignorance, which can be remedied by learning; the `kᵉçîyl` often actively chooses folly.

**How can this ancient verse apply to modern challenges like burnout or lack of productivity?**

Answer: Ecclesiastes 10:15 offers profound insight into modern challenges such as burnout, chronic stress, and perceived lack of productivity. In contemporary society, people often engage in intense "labour" without a clear vision or understanding of their ultimate "city" or goal. This can manifest as endless busywork, pursuing paths that don't align with one's true purpose, or lacking a coherent strategy for achieving desired outcomes. The verse teaches that mere effort is insufficient; it must be coupled with wisdom, discernment, and clear direction. To avoid the "weariness" of the foolish, individuals and organizations today must prioritize strategic planning, define clear objectives, seek knowledge, and be willing to change course when a path proves unproductive, rather than simply working harder in the wrong direction. It encourages a shift from mere activity to purposeful action, echoing the biblical call to live wisely and intentionally, as seen in [Ephesians 5:15-16](/ephesians/5-15-16 "Ephesians 5:15-16 - Walk Wisely").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ecclesiastes 10:15, with its lament over the futile and exhausting "labour of the foolish" who "knoweth not how to go to the city," finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound answer in Jesus Christ. While the Preacher observes the weariness of aimless human striving "under the sun," Christ presents Himself as the very embodiment of divine wisdom and the definitive "city" or destination for humanity. Jesus declares, "I am [the way, the truth, and the life](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, Truth, and Life"): no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." He is the Way, providing the perfect "how to go" that the foolish lack, offering clear direction and purpose for life. His teachings, unlike the confusing paths of human folly, are built on an unshakeable foundation, ensuring that those who hear and obey His words are like the wise builder whose house stands firm (compare [Matthew 7:24-27](/matthew/7-24-27 "Matthew 7:24-27 - The Wise and Foolish Builders")). Furthermore, Jesus offers relief from the very weariness described by Koheleth, inviting all who "labour and are heavy laden" to come to Him, promising rest for their souls, for His "yoke is easy, and [His burden is light](/matthew/11-28-30 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Labor")". In Christ, the aimless toil of the foolish is transformed into purposeful, Spirit-empowered labor that builds up the Kingdom of God, leading not to exhaustion but to eternal life and true fulfillment. He is the ultimate wisdom of God, making foolish the wisdom of the world (as seen in [1 Corinthians 1:20-25](/1_corinthians/1-20-25 "1 Corinthians 1:20-25 - The Foolishness of God")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 57:1

¶ The righteous perisheth, and no man layeth [it] to heart: and merciful men [are] taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil [to come].

Jeremiah 50:4

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.

Jeremiah 50:5

They shall ask the way to Zion with their faces thitherward, [saying], Come, and let us join ourselves to the LORD in a perpetual covenant [that] shall not be forgotten.

Psalms 107:7

And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation.

Isaiah 35:8

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 35:10

And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

Psalms 107:4

They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way; they found no city to dwell in.