The one who quarries stones may be injured by themThis phrase highlights the inherent risks associated with manual labor, particularly in ancient times. Quarrying stones was a common occupation in biblical times, essential for building structures such as temples, homes, and city walls. The process involved cutting and extracting large stones from the earth, which was physically demanding and dangerous. Injuries could occur from falling rocks, mishandling tools, or the collapse of quarry walls. This serves as a metaphor for the unpredictability and potential hazards of life, emphasizing the need for wisdom and caution in all endeavors. The imagery of stones can also be connected to the "living stones" mentioned in
1 Peter 2:5, where believers are built into a spiritual house, suggesting that even in spiritual work, there are challenges and risks.
and he who splits logs endangers himself
Log splitting was another essential task in ancient times, necessary for building, heating, and cooking. The danger lay in the use of sharp tools like axes, which could cause injury if not handled properly. This phrase underscores the theme of risk in everyday activities, reminding readers of the need for skill and prudence. The act of splitting logs can be seen as a metaphor for division or conflict, where carelessness can lead to harm. In a broader biblical context, this can be related to the division of the kingdom of Israel after Solomon's reign (1 Kings 12), where lack of wisdom led to national strife. The imagery of wood can also be linked to the cross of Christ, where the ultimate act of sacrifice and redemption took place, highlighting that even in danger, there is a divine purpose.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The Quarry WorkerRepresents individuals engaged in laborious and potentially hazardous work, highlighting the risks inherent in physical labor.
2.
The Log SplitterAnother example of a laborer whose work involves danger, emphasizing the unpredictability and potential harm in everyday tasks.
3.
SolomonTraditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, offering wisdom and observations about life, work, and human endeavors.
4.
Ancient IsraelThe cultural and historical context in which these proverbs were written, where manual labor was a common part of daily life.
5.
The Preacher (Qoheleth)The voice in Ecclesiastes, often seen as a philosophical teacher reflecting on the meaning and challenges of life.
Teaching Points
The Reality of Risk in WorkAcknowledge that all work carries inherent risks and requires wisdom and caution.
The Value of Prudence and PreparationEmphasize the importance of being prepared and taking necessary precautions to minimize risks in our endeavors.
The Role of Divine ProvidenceRecognize that while human effort is necessary, ultimate safety and success come from trusting in God's providence.
The Dignity of LaborAffirm the dignity and value of all forms of work, even those that are dangerous or difficult, as part of God's design for human life.
Balancing Work and RestEncourage finding a balance between diligent work and necessary rest, trusting in God's provision and care.
Lists and Questions
Top 10 Lessons from Ecclesiastes 10
What is the Bible's perspective on nostalgia?
What does 'Two are better than one' mean?
Does the advice to sharpen the axe in Ecclesiastes 10:10 imply a reliance on human effort over divine intervention, creating tension with texts that stress faith and dependence on God?
2 Chronicles 5:10 - Why does this verse say only the tablets were in the Ark when Hebrews 9:4 mentions additional items, creating a seeming contradiction?(9)
Removeth.--The nearest parallel is
1Kings 5:17, where the word is used with regard to the quarryings, not the removing of stones. For the latter sense, however, there is countenance in
2Kings 4:4, where the word is translated "set aside."
Cleaveth wood.--Or,cutteth down trees,an operation not free from danger (Deuteronomy 19:5).
Verse 9. -
Whoso removeth stones shall be hurt therewith. It is natural to consider this clause as suggested by the breaking of a wall in the preceding verse; but as this would occasion a jejune repetition, it is better to take it of the work of the quarryman, as in
1 Kings 5:17, where the same verb is used. The dangers to which such laborers are exposed are well known. Here, again, but unsuccessfully, some have seen a reference to the removal of landmarks, comparing
2 Kings 4:4, where the word is translated "set aside." As before said, the paragraph does not speak of retribution, but advises caution, enforcing the lesson by certain homely, allusions to the accidents that may occur m customary occupations.
He that cleaveth wood shall be endangered thereby. Cutting up logs of wood, a man may hurt himself with axe or saw, or be injured by splinters, etc. If we take the idea to be the felling of trees, there is the danger of being crushed in their fall, or, according to the tenor of
Deuteronomy 19:5, of being killed inadvertently by a neighbor's axe. Vulgate,
Qui scindit ligna vulnerabitur ab eis, which is more definite than the general term "endangered;" but the Septuagint has,
Κινδυνεύσειἐν αὐτοῖς, as in the Authorized Version. Plumptre sees here, again, an intimation of the danger of attacking time-honored institutions, even when decaying and corrupt.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
The one who quarriesמַסִּ֣יעַ(mas·sî·a‘)Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 5265:To pull up, the tent-pins, start on a, journeystonesאֲבָנִ֔ים(’ă·ḇā·nîm)Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 68:A stonemay be injuredיֵעָצֵ֖ב(yê·‘ā·ṣêḇ)Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6087:To carve, fabricate, fashion, to worry, pain, angerby them,בָּהֶ֑ם(bā·hem)Preposition | third person masculine plural
Strong's Hebrewand he who splitsבּוֹקֵ֥עַ(bō·w·qê·a‘)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 1234:To cleave, to rend, break, rip, openlogsעֵצִ֖ים(‘ê·ṣîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 6086:Tree, trees, woodendangers himself.יִסָּ֥כֶן(yis·sā·ḵen)Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5533:To cut, damage, to grow, poor
Links
Ecclesiastes 10:9 NIVEcclesiastes 10:9 NLTEcclesiastes 10:9 ESVEcclesiastes 10:9 NASBEcclesiastes 10:9 KJV
Ecclesiastes 10:9 BibleApps.comEcclesiastes 10:9 Biblia ParalelaEcclesiastes 10:9 Chinese BibleEcclesiastes 10:9 French BibleEcclesiastes 10:9 Catholic Bible
OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 10:9 Whoever carves out stones may be injured (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) 
