


Ecclesiastes 10:15
Bible Versions
The labour of the foolish wearieth every one of them, because he knoweth not how to go to the city.
The efforts of a fool wear him out; he doesn't even know the way to town!
The toil of a fool wearies him, for he does not know the way to the city.
The labor of fools wearieth every one of them; for he knoweth not how to go to the city.
Study Tools
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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.
Context
Ecclesiastes, often attributed to "the Preacher" (Koheleth), delves into the meaning and purpose of life "under the sun"—from a purely human perspective, without direct revelation of eternity. Chapter 10 specifically contrasts the characteristics and outcomes of wisdom versus folly, particularly in the realm of governance and daily living. This verse highlights a practical consequence of foolishness: wasted effort due to a lack of understanding or direction.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The term "foolish" in Hebrew is kesil (כְּסִיל), which refers not merely to intellectual slowness, but to a moral and spiritual dullness, one who is obstinate in their folly and resistant to wisdom. This is a common character in wisdom literature, distinct from simple ignorance. The "labour" (amal, עָמָל) often carries the connotation of grievous toil or burdensome effort, emphasizing the wearisome nature of their fruitless endeavors. The "city" ('iyr, עִיר) serves as a potent metaphor for any defined goal or destination, highlighting the foolish individual's inability to navigate towards it.
Practical Application
Ecclesiastes 10:15 offers timeless wisdom for modern life. It encourages us to:
Reflection
This verse from Koheleth serves as a poignant reminder that not all labor is profitable. The weariness described is not just physical, but also mental and spiritual, arising from the frustration of endless effort without progress. It underscores the profound value of wisdom as a practical guide for navigating life's paths and achieving meaningful outcomes, saving us from the disheartening cycle of aimless toil.