Ecclesiastes 10:4

What does Ecclesiastes 10:4 mean?

A plain-English look at Ecclesiastes 10:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for gentleness allayeth great offences.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great offences.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for gentleness allayeth great offences.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

If the wrath of the ruler is against you, keep in your place; in him who keeps quiet even great sins may be overlooked.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

If the spirit of the ruler go up against thee, Thy place leave not, For yielding quieteth great sinners.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

If the spirit of him that hath power, ascend upon thee, leave not thy place: because care will make the greatest sins to cease.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for quietness pacifieth great offences.

Context

v.3Yea also, when the fool walketh by the way, his understanding faileth him, and he saith to every one that he is a fool.

v.4This passage

v.5There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, as it were an error which proceedeth from the ruler:

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Ecclesiastes 8:3

    Be not hasty to go out of his presence; persist not in an evil thing: for he doeth whatsoever pleaseth him.

  • Proverbs 25:15

    By long forbearing is a ruler persuaded, And a soft tongue breaketh the bone.

  • 1 Samuel 25:24

    And she fell at his feet, and said, Upon me, my lord, upon me be the iniquity; and let thy handmaid, I pray thee, speak in thine ears, and hear thou the words of thy handmaid.

Related questions readers ask