Ecclesiastes 10:6

KJV

Folly is set in great dignity, and the rich sit in low place.

KJV (with Strong's)

Folly {H5529} is set {H5414} in great {H7227} dignity {H4791}, and the rich {H6223} sit {H3427} in low place {H8216}.

Complete Jewish Bible

fools are promoted to high positions, while the rich occupy humble places.

Berean Standard Bible

Folly is appointed to great heights, but the rich sit in lowly positions.

American Standard Version

folly is set in great dignity, and the rich sit in a low place.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ecclesiastes 10:6 presents a stark and lamentable observation from Qoheleth, highlighting a pervasive societal inversion where foolish and incompetent individuals are elevated to positions of prominence and honor, while those who possess genuine wisdom, capability, or even material wealth are relegated to humble, insignificant, or debased roles. This verse underscores the Preacher's recurring theme of the "vanity" or "absurdity" of life "under the sun," where merit often goes unrewarded and injustice appears to reign in human systems.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a broader section of Ecclesiastes (chapters [9](/ecclesiastes/9 "Ecclesiastes 9 - The Common Lot")-[10](/ecclesiastes/10 "Ecclesiastes 10 - Wisdom and Folly")) where Qoheleth delves into the practical implications of wisdom and folly in the daily affairs of life, particularly concerning leadership, governance, and societal dynamics. It directly follows [Ecclesiastes 10:5](/ecclesiastes/10-5 "Ecclesiastes 10:5 - An Error from the Ruler"), which speaks of "an error which proceedeth from the ruler," setting the stage for a critique of leadership and the consequences of poor judgment. The surrounding proverbs in [Ecclesiastes 10](/ecclesiastes/10 "Ecclesiastes 10 - Wisdom and Folly") frequently contrast the outcomes of wise and foolish actions, emphasizing the unpredictability and often unfair nature of life's outcomes "under the sun." This verse serves as a concrete example of the frustrating paradoxes Qoheleth observes, where the natural order of meritocracy is subverted.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The observations in Ecclesiastes reflect the realities of ancient Near Eastern monarchies and hierarchical societies, where positions of power and influence were often determined by birth, patronage, or arbitrary decisions rather than solely by competence or wisdom. Court intrigue, favoritism, and corruption were common phenomena. The "rich" (`ʻâshîyr`) in this context would typically refer to those with material wealth, who often held social standing and influence, yet Qoheleth observes them being displaced. The "dignity" (`mârôwm`) would signify high societal status, access to the king's ear, or positions of administrative authority. Qoheleth's lament resonates with a common human experience across cultures and times, where societal structures can fail to reward true merit, leading to inefficiency and injustice.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme illuminated by [Ecclesiastes 10:6](/ecclesiastes/10-6 "Ecclesiastes 10:6 - Folly Exalted, Rich Debased") is the **inversion of justice and order**. It vividly portrays a world where the natural or divine order of merit is subverted, with the foolish elevated and the worthy debased. This contributes to Qoheleth's overarching theme of **vanity (hebel)**, highlighting the frustrating and often inexplicable absurdities of life "under the sun" where outcomes do not always align with what is deserved or expected. Furthermore, the verse offers a subtle but pointed **critique of leadership and societal structures**, implying that systems that promote incompetence over capability ultimately lead to societal detriment. It also touches upon the **frustration of the wise**, who witness such inversions and grapple with the apparent lack of divine justice in the earthly realm, a theme explored throughout [Ecclesiastes](/ecclesiastes "The Book of Ecclesiastes").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Folly (Hebrew, _çekel'_):** H5529. Derived from a root meaning "silliness," this term refers to a lack of wisdom, foolishness, or a state of being a "dolt." In the context of Ecclesiastes, it often implies not merely intellectual deficiency but also moral obtuseness, impracticality, and a failure to live according to sound judgment or God's ways. The elevation of "folly" signifies the promotion of incompetence, poor judgment, and perhaps even moral corruption.
* **Dignity (Hebrew, _mârôwm'_):** H4791. This word denotes "altitude," "elevation," or "a high place." Figuratively, it signifies "elation," "haughtiness," or "prominence." When "folly" is "set in great dignity," it means that foolishness is placed in a position of high honor, authority, or exalted status, a place that should ideally be reserved for wisdom and competence. It speaks to a profound misplacement of value and power.
* **Rich (Hebrew, _ʻâshîyr'_):** H6223. This term literally means "rich," referring to material wealth. However, in wisdom literature, especially when contrasted with "folly," it can also carry a metaphorical sense, implying those who are "rich" in wisdom, experience, or true value, beyond mere monetary possessions. The "rich" are those who possess qualities or resources that *should* naturally lead to influence or respect, yet they are found in a "low place."

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Folly is set in great dignity,"**: This clause describes an active placement or appointment. "Folly" (`çekel`), representing foolish individuals or foolish principles, is given (`nâthan`) a position of "great dignity" (`rab mârôwm`). This signifies an absurd and unjust elevation of the incompetent or unwise to high office, honor, or influence. It's an observation of a societal malfunction where merit is disregarded in favor of the undeserving.
* **"and the rich sit in low place."**: This second clause presents the stark contrast and consequence of the first. While folly is exalted, those who are "rich" (`ʻâshîyr`)—whether literally wealthy, or metaphorically rich in wisdom, character, or capability—are made to "sit" (`yâshab`) in a "low place" (`shephel`). This "low place" denotes a humble, debased, insignificant, or disenfranchised position. It highlights the marginalization of the truly capable or worthy, who are denied their rightful influence or recognition.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Antithesis** and **Irony**. **Antithesis** is evident in the direct contrast between "folly" and "the rich," and their respective positions of "great dignity" and "low place." This creates a sharp, memorable image of societal inversion. The **Irony** lies in the observation itself: what should be low is high, and what should be high is low. It's an ironic commentary on the world's upside-down values, where merit is not rewarded and incompetence is celebrated. The Preacher uses this device to express his frustration with the apparent lack of justice and order "under the sun," emphasizing the "vanity" of such a system.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ecclesiastes 10:6 resonates deeply with a broader biblical theme that critiques human systems and values which often stand in opposition to God's divine order. While the world may exalt the foolish and debase the worthy, Scripture consistently teaches that God's kingdom operates on an entirely different principle, one that often reverses human expectations. This verse highlights the tension between the apparent injustices of the earthly realm and the ultimate justice that God will bring. It serves as a reminder that true wisdom and worth are not always recognized or rewarded in the present age, but that God's perspective and ultimate judgment are what truly matter.

* [Luke 14:11](/luke/14-11 "Luke 14:11 - Humility and Exaltation")
* [James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God Resists the Proud")
* [Proverbs 14:34](/proverbs/14-34 "Proverbs 14:34 - Righteousness Exalts a Nation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ecclesiastes 10:6 offers a timeless and often disheartening reflection on the realities of a fallen world, where merit is frequently overlooked and incompetence is inexplicably elevated. For the believer, this verse serves as a crucial reminder not to place ultimate trust or hope in human systems or worldly recognition. It challenges us to cultivate a discerning eye, one that values genuine wisdom, integrity, and competence, regardless of whether these qualities are outwardly celebrated or rewarded by society. In a world that often prioritizes superficiality or political expediency over true character, we are called to embody the wisdom that comes from above, even when it means operating in obscurity or facing marginalization. This verse encourages us to find our dignity and worth not in earthly accolades, but in our identity in Christ and our commitment to His kingdom values, knowing that God sees and ultimately judges all things justly.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I see "folly set in great dignity" or "the rich sit in low place"?**
* **How does this verse challenge my own pursuit of status or recognition in the world?**
* **What does it mean to live wisely and with integrity when the world around me seems to reward foolishness?**
* **How can I better discern and value true wisdom and character in others, rather than being swayed by superficial appearances or worldly positions?**

### FAQ
**Does "the rich" in this verse refer only to material wealth?**

Answer: While the Hebrew word `ʻâshîyr` (H6223) primarily refers to material wealth, in the broader context of wisdom literature, particularly when contrasted with "folly" (H5529), it often carries a metaphorical or broader meaning. It can imply those who are "rich" in wisdom, experience, capability, or true value—qualities that should naturally lead to respect and influence. Qoheleth's observations throughout [Ecclesiastes](/ecclesiastes "The Book of Ecclesiastes") frequently highlight the limitations of material wealth alone, suggesting that true richness encompasses more than just possessions. Therefore, "the rich" here can be understood as those who possess genuine merit or worth, whether material, intellectual, or moral, who are nonetheless overlooked or debased.

**How does this verse relate to the overall message of Ecclesiastes?**

Answer: [Ecclesiastes 10:6](/ecclesiastes/10-6 "Ecclesiastes 10:6 - Folly Exalted, Rich Debased") perfectly encapsulates Qoheleth's recurring theme of `hebel` (often translated "vanity" or "absurdity")—the frustrating and inexplicable paradoxes of life "under the sun." It illustrates the Preacher's lament that life is not always fair or logical, and that human systems often fail to operate according to divine justice or even common sense. This verse contributes to the book's candid portrayal of a fallen world where wisdom is not always rewarded, and folly often thrives, prompting the reader to look beyond earthly circumstances for ultimate meaning and justice, as Qoheleth ultimately concludes in [Ecclesiastes 12:13-14](/ecclesiastes/12-13 "Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 - The Conclusion of the Whole Matter").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ecclesiastes 10:6, with its lament over the inversion of justice where folly is exalted and true worth debased, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the quintessential "rich" one, not merely in material wealth, but in divine wisdom, power, and righteousness, being "in the form of God" ([Philippians 2:6](/philippians/2-6 "Philippians 2:6 - Christ's Humility")). Yet, in an astonishing act of divine humility and ultimate "low place," He "made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Self-Emptying")). The world, in its folly, rejected Him, setting Him in the lowest place imaginable—on a cross, condemned as a criminal, while the foolish and corrupt held positions of power and dignity. The crucifixion of Christ is the ultimate expression of "folly set in great dignity" (the Sanhedrin, Pilate, Herod) and "the rich sit in low place" (Jesus, the embodiment of all wisdom and righteousness, utterly debased). However, this divine inversion was God's perfect plan, for through His humiliation and death, Christ achieved our salvation. God then reversed the world's judgment, exalting Him to the "highest place" ([Philippians 2:9](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9 - Christ's Exaltation")), demonstrating that true dignity and ultimate authority belong to the one who humbly served and suffered. Thus, Ecclesiastes 10:6 foreshadows the world's rejection of Christ, yet ultimately points to God's sovereign reversal, where the debased Lamb becomes the exalted King, ensuring that true wisdom and righteousness will ultimately reign.

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

Proverbs 28:12

¶ When righteous [men] do rejoice, [there is] great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.

Proverbs 29:2

¶ When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.

Esther 3:1

¶ After these things did king Ahasuerus promote Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, and advanced him, and set his seat above all the princes that [were] with him.

Psalms 12:8

The wicked walk on every side, when the vilest men are exalted.

1 Kings 12:13

And the king answered the people roughly, and forsook the old men's counsel that they gave him;

1 Kings 12:14

And spake to them after the counsel of the young men, saying, My father made your yoke heavy, and I will add to your yoke: my father [also] chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.

Proverbs 28:28

¶ When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.