There is an evil, &c. I have observed another great vanity and misdemeanour among men; as an error which proceedeth, &c. Or rather, as the Hebrew may be translated, which is indeed an error proceeding from the ruler: for the following erroneous conduct must needs come from those who have power of conferring honour and authority. Folly is set in great dignity Foolish and unworthy persons are frequently advanced by the favour or humour of princes into places of great trust and dignity, which is at once a great reproach to the prince, and a sore calamity to his people. And the rich sit in a low place Wise and worthy men, rich in endowments of the mind, are neglected and despised, or removed from those places to which their merits had raised them. I have seen servants on horses Men of a servile condition and disposition riding in pomp and state as princes; and princes Men of noble birth and qualities, fit to rule a kingdom, walking as servants In a state of poverty and degradation, despised and disregarded.
Related Commentaries of Ecclesiastes 10:5
Ecclesiastes 10:5-7
5 There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, as an error which proceedeth fromb the ruler:
6 Folly is set in greatc dignity, and the rich sit in low place.
7 I have seen servants upon horses, and princes walking as servants upon the earth.