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Ecclesiastes 4:7
Then I returned, and I saw vanity under the sun.

Ecclesiastes 5:13
There is a sore evilwhich I have seen under the sun,namely, riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt.

Ecclesiastes 6:1
There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, and itis common among men:

as an

Ecclesiastes 3:16
And moreover I saw under the sun the place of judgment,that wickednesswas there; and the place of righteousness,that iniquitywas there.

Ecclesiastes 4:1
So I returned, and considered all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and behold the tears ofsuch as were oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressorsthere was power; but they had no comforter.

an error that proceeds from the ruler:
The "error" indicates a mistake or misjudgment, particularly in leadership. In ancient Israel and surrounding cultures, rulers were expected to uphold justice and wisdom. When a ruler errs, it can have widespread consequences, affecting the entire nation. This reflects the biblical principle that leadership carries significant responsibility and accountability (Proverbs 29:2). The mention of a ruler connects to the broader biblical narrative of kingship, where leaders like David and Solomon are both celebrated and critiqued for their governance. It also foreshadows the perfect rule of Jesus Christ, the ultimate King, who embodies wisdom and justice (Isaiah 9:6-7).

Ecclesiastes 10:5 opens with the Teacher’s sober observation: “There is an evil I have seen under the sun—”.

• “Under the sun” reminds us the perspective is life in a fallen world, whereGenesis 3 introduced corruption into every sphere (Romans 8:20-22).

• The “evil” is not merely unpleasant; it is morally wrong, echoing earlier laments: “I have also seen under the sun: in the place of judgment, wickedness was there” (Ecclesiastes 3:16).

• Solomon records what he personally “has seen,” underscoring the literal reliability of Scripture and inviting us to look honestly at society’s injustices (Psalm 37:35-36).

• Similar observations surface throughout the book—oppression (4:1), abrupt reversals of fortune (9:11-12)—all painting a consistent portrait of life apart from perfect divine order (Isaiah 24:5-6).

Practical takeaways:

– Expect imperfections in earthly systems; ultimate justice is with God alone (Ecclesiastes 12:14).

– Recognize that noticing evil should move us toward discernment, not despair (Philippians 1:9-10).

The specific “evil” is identified: “—an error that proceeds from the ruler:”.

• “Error” implies a deviation from God’s righteous standard (Proverbs 16:12;Proverbs 29:12).

• When the top authority goes astray, the damage multiplies. Scripture illustrates this repeatedly:

– Rehoboam’s harsh decree split the kingdom (1 Kings 12:13-16).

– Ahasuerus’ hasty edict empowered Haman’s genocide plot (Esther 3:9-13).

– David’s census brought plague on Israel (2 Samuel 24:10-15).

• Consequences of a ruler’s folly:

◦ Injustice flourishes—“When the wicked rule, the people groan” (Proverbs 29:2).

◦ Competence is ignored while incompetence is elevated (Ecclesiastes 10:6-7).

◦ Nations are led into moral confusion (Isaiah 9:16).

• God still reigns over kings (Daniel 4:17). Believers respond by:

– Praying for all in authority (1 Timothy 2:1-2).

– Submitting where possible without disobeying God (Romans 13:1;Acts 5:29).

– Exercising righteous influence in any sphere of leadership we hold—home, workplace, church (Matthew 5:14-16).

The Teacher notes a grievous reality: injustice often originates with those in power.Ecclesiastes 10:5 warns that when leaders stray from God’s wisdom, society suffers. Yet the passage simultaneously affirms God’s sovereignty and calls the faithful to discernment, prayer, and integrity in every position of influence.