Ecclesiastes 10:9
Whoso removeth stones shall be hurt therewith; and he that cleaveth wood shall be endangered thereby.
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
Ancient construction and fuel-gathering required dangerous manual labor. Solomon's massive building projects (Temple, palace, fortifications) involved extensive quarrying—cutting limestone blocks from bedrock, a hazardous process (1 Kings 5:15-18). Wood-splitting for cooking fires and construction was daily necessity. Accidents were common and often severe without modern safety equipment or medical care. The wisdom here teaches that understanding risks and taking appropriate precautions (v. 10's sharpened tools) represents prudence, not paranoia. New Testament parallels include counting the cost before building (Luke 14:28-30) and being "wise as serpents" while remaining innocent (Matthew 10:16).
Questions for Reflection
- What legitimate but risky endeavors in your life require wisdom and proper preparation rather than either recklessness or fearful avoidance?
- How does this verse balance acknowledgment of real dangers with confidence to proceed wisely rather than retreat fearfully?
Analysis & Commentary
Whoso removeth stones shall be hurt therewith; and he that cleaveth wood shall be endangered thereby—this verse continues the theme of occupational hazards from verse 8. The Hebrew massia avanim (מַסִּיעַ אֲבָנִים, quarrying/removing stones) and voqea etzim (בּוֹקֵעַ עֵצִים, splitting wood) describe necessary but dangerous work. Ye'atzev bahem (יֵעָצֵב בָּהֶם, hurt/injured by them) and yisachen bo (יִסָּכֶן בּוֹ, endangered by it) warn of inherent dangers.
The Preacher moves from malicious pit-digging (v. 8) to legitimate labor, teaching that even necessary, productive work carries risks requiring wisdom and caution. Stone quarrying could cause crushing injuries; wood-splitting risked flying splinters or axe accidents. This realistic wisdom acknowledges life's dangers without counseling either reckless bravery or fearful paralysis. Verse 10 will emphasize that wisdom reduces risk by proper preparation—sharpening tools before use.