Ecclesiastes 10:4 net — If the anger of the ruler flares up against you, do not resign from your position, for a calm response can undo great o…

NET Bible

"If the anger of the ruler flares up against you, do not resign from your position, for a calm response can undo great offenses."

— Ecclesiastes 10:4, NET Bible

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Ecclesiastes 10:4 in Other Translations

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Ecclesiastes 10 — Context

1

One dead fly makes the perfumer’s ointment give off a rancid stench, so a little folly can outweigh much wisdom.

2

Wisdom Can Be Nullified By the Caprice of Rulers A wise person’s good sense protects him, but a fool’s lack of sense leaves him vulnerable.

3

Even when a fool walks along the road he lacks sense, and shows everyone what a fool he is.

4

If the anger of the ruler flares up against you, do not resign from your position, for a calm response can undo great offenses.

5

I have seen another misfortune on the earth: It is an error a ruler makes.

6

Fools are placed in many positions of authority, while wealthy men sit in lowly positions.

7

I have seen slaves on horseback and princes walking on foot like slaves.

Ecclesiastes 10:4 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Ecclesiastes 10:4 say?
Ecclesiastes 10:4 in the NET Bible reads: “If the anger of the ruler flares up against you, do not resign from your position, for a calm response can undo great offenses.”
Where is Ecclesiastes 10:4 in the Bible?
Ecclesiastes 10:4 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Ecclesiastes, chapter 10, verse 4.
Who wrote Ecclesiastes?
Ecclesiastes is traditionally attributed to Solomon (traditional; identified as "the Preacher, son of David"). It was written c. 940 BC.
What is the book of Ecclesiastes about?
Ecclesiastes is a candid meditation on life "under the sun" — its pleasures, its pains, and its apparent vanity. The Preacher tries wisdom, wealth, work, and pleasure, finds them all empty without God, and concludes that fearing God and keeping his commandments is the whole of man.
What are the major themes of Ecclesiastes?
Ecclesiastes explores themes including Vanity, Time, Meaning, Fear of God, Mortality. These themes shape the meaning and context of Ecclesiastes 10:4.
What translation should I read Ecclesiastes 10:4 in?
Ecclesiastes 10:4 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Ecclesiastes 10:4?
Ecclesiastes 10:4 reads (NET): “If the anger of the ruler flares up against you, do not resign from your position, for a calm response can undo great offenses.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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