Ecclesiastes 10:8 web — He who digs a pit may fall into it; and whoever breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake.

World English Bible

"He who digs a pit may fall into it; and whoever breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake."

— Ecclesiastes 10:8, World English Bible

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Ecclesiastes 10:8 in Other Translations

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Ecclesiastes 10 — Context

5

There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, the sort of error which proceeds from the ruler.

6

Folly is set in great dignity, and the rich sit in a low place.

7

I have seen servants on horses, and princes walking like servants on the earth.

8

He who digs a pit may fall into it; and whoever breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake.

9

Whoever carves out stones may be injured by them. Whoever splits wood may be endangered thereby.

10

If the axe is blunt, and one doesn't sharpen the edge, then he must use more strength; but skill brings success.

11

If the snake bites before it is charmed, then is there no profit for the charmer's tongue.

Ecclesiastes 10:8 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Ecclesiastes 10:8 say?
Ecclesiastes 10:8 in the World English Bible reads: “He who digs a pit may fall into it; and whoever breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake.”
Where is Ecclesiastes 10:8 in the Bible?
Ecclesiastes 10:8 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Ecclesiastes, chapter 10, verse 8.
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 10:8.
What translation should I read Ecclesiastes 10:8 in?
Ecclesiastes 10:8 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 10:8?
Ecclesiastes 10:8 reads (WEB): “He who digs a pit may fall into it; and whoever breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake.” 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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