10:14

Ecclesiastes 10:15

10:16

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

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}.

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.

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

  • The Futility of Misdirected Labor: The verse powerfully illustrates that effort without a clear objective, strategy, or understanding of how to achieve a goal is not only unproductive but also utterly exhausting. The "labour of the foolish" is burdensome because it lacks efficiency and purpose.
  • The Importance of Direction and Understanding: The phrase "he knoweth not how to go to the city" is central. The "city" here symbolizes a clear destination, a desired outcome, or a place of order and success. The foolish person's problem isn't a lack of effort, but a fundamental ignorance of the path, rendering all their toil fruitless. This contrasts sharply with the wisdom that provides understanding of one's way.
  • Consequences of Folly: This verse serves as a sober warning about the practical repercussions of lacking wisdom. Foolishness doesn't just lead to abstract errors; it results in tangible weariness, frustration, and failure to achieve even basic objectives.

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:

  • Seek Clarity and Direction: Before embarking on any significant endeavor—whether in career, relationships, or spiritual growth—it is crucial to define the "city" or goal and understand the "how to go." Without a clear vision and strategy, effort can be wasted.
  • Value Wisdom Over Mere Effort: Hard work is commendable, but this verse reminds us that diligence without discernment leads to exhaustion and disappointment. True productivity comes from combining effort with wisdom and purpose.
  • Learn from Mistakes and Seek Guidance: The foolish person "knoweth not." A wise person, by contrast, is humble enough to admit ignorance, seek knowledge, and learn from others or from divine guidance, recognizing that committing one's works to the Lord can establish thoughts.

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.

Note: Commentary is generated by a large language model with a directive for Biblical fidelity. While we find the analysis helpful, always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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