Ecclesiastes 10:5-7
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This verse highlights an "error proceeding from the ruler," but it's not necessarily about a ruler making a mistake. It can actually mean that the evil itself is an error, like a blunder in how things are set up, and it originates from the ruler's position of authority, not necessarily their personal intent. This subtle distinction points to a systemic issue where wrong people are placed in power, creating a flawed system regardless of the ruler's specific actions.
There is an evil that I have seen under the sun, as it were an error proceeding from the ruler: folly is set in many high places, and the rich sit in a low place. I have seen slaves on horses, and princes walking on the ground like slaves.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Solomon is reflecting on the puzzling injustices he's witnessed in the world, specifically how positions of power and honor are often misallocated. Following his advice on navigating workplace conflicts, he now turns to a broader observation: sometimes, what looks like chaos or a mistake in how society is run actually stems from the folly or favoritism of those in charge. This leads directly into his next point about foolish people being elevated while the wise are overlooked.
Why does Solomon call a leader's mistake an 'error under the sun'? What does this phrase even mean in the context of leadership?
Solomon uses the phrase "an error which proceedeth from the ruler" to describe a specific kind of injustice he observes in the world. It's not just a minor slip-up, but a significant misjudgment in how leaders appoint people to positions of authority.
A Blunder in Appointments
Think of it like this: a leader has the power to give out important jobs, responsibilities, and honors. When they give these to people who are unqualified, foolish, or unworthy, it’s a huge mistake. This isn't just a personal error; it's an "evil" that affects the whole system. The original language suggests this error might even resemble an involuntary sin, highlighting how it's a failure in judgment that has serious consequences.
The ripple effect
This kind of misstep can lead to a whole chain of negative outcomes. Foolish people end up in high places, while wise and capable individuals are overlooked. This creates an imbalance and injustice that can destabilize a whole society, creating an "evil" that spreads beyond the ruler's initial mistake.
What happens when leaders get it wrong? This verse points to a deep imbalance in society that affects everyone.
This concept delves into the specific consequences of a ruler's error in judgment, as described in the verses following Ecclesiastes 10:5. When leaders fail to recognize true merit and instead elevate the foolish or unworthy, the entire social order is disrupted.
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The Inversion of Order
Solomon paints a stark picture: 'Folly is set in great dignity.' This means that foolish, incompetent, or morally corrupt individuals are placed in positions of honor and power. They are given authority they don't deserve and aren't equipped to handle.
The Neglect of the Worthy
Conversely, 'the rich sit in a low place.' This isn't just about financial wealth, but about those who are rich in wisdom, skill, character, and experience. These capable individuals are ignored, marginalized, or pushed aside. They are denied the opportunities and recognition their merits deserve.
The Resulting Calamity
The effect of this inversion is a society where competence is sidelined and foolishness reigns. This leads to inefficiency, injustice, and widespread suffering for the people governed by such leaders. It’s a sign of a sick system, where the wrong people are in charge, leading to a 'calamity' for the land.
Understand the original words
ra'ah · Hebrew Noun
Moral depravity or calamity; something that is contrary to God's created order and causes suffering or injustice in the world.
shegagah · Hebrew Noun
A mistake, oversight, or wandering from the truth; an action that deviates from the right way or wisdom.
siklût · Hebrew Noun
A lack of good sense, moral deficiency, or the rejection of divine wisdom; it is a fundamental category in Wisdom literature describing the person who ignores God's ways.
‘āšîr · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
Refers to individuals who possess worldly goods or influence; in a biblical context, wealth is often contrasted with spiritual status or divine favor.
‘ăḇāḏîm · Hebrew Noun
Individuals held in legal bondage or servitude; used in Scripture to denote a status of submission, sometimes applied metaphorically to one's relationship with God or sin.
śārîm · Hebrew Noun
Men of noble birth, high social standing, or authority; throughout the Bible, princes are expected to exercise righteous leadership under God's sovereignty.
This passage highlights the severity of rejecting God's command, which is described as an 'error' and 'stubbornness,' mirroring the text's idea of an error stemming from a ruler's misguided actions.
Proverbs 28:2It emphasizes that when a land is plagued by incompetent rulers, there's instability and constant upheaval, directly reflecting the 'evil' and 'error' that arises from a flawed leader in Ecclesiastes.
Isaiah 3:1-5This prophetic passage describes a society in chaos because its leaders are foolish and unqualified, illustrating the consequence of an 'error from the ruler' where stability and wisdom are lost.
Romans 13:1-7While affirming the divine origin of governing authorities, this passage implies that rulers are accountable to God, making an 'error' from them a significant deviation from God's intended order for society.
ellicottEcclesiastes 10:5: "There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, as an error which proceedeth from the ruler:"
(5) Error.— The word is the same as at Ecclesiastes 10:6 .
henryEcclesiastes 10:4-10: "If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great offences."
10:4-10 Solomon appears to caution men not to seek redress in a hasty manner, nor to yield to pride and revenge. Do not, in a passion, quit thy post of duty; wait awhile, and thou wilt find that yielding pacifies great offences. Men are not preferred according to their merit. And those are often most forward to offer help, who are least aware of the difficulties,…
This verse highlights an "error proceeding from the ruler," but it's not necessarily about a ruler making a mistake. It can actually mean that the evil itself is an error, like a blunder in how things are set up, and it originates from the ruler's position of authority, not necessarily their personal intent. This subtle distinction points to a systemic issue where wrong people are placed in power, creating a flawed system regardless of the ruler's specific actions.
Solomon is reflecting on the puzzling injustices he's witnessed in the world, specifically how positions of power and honor are often misallocated. Following his advice on navigating workplace conflicts, he now turns to a broader observation: sometimes, what looks like chaos or a mistake in how society is run actually stems from the folly or favoritism of those in charge. This leads directly into his next point about foolish people being elevated while the wise are overlooked.
Solomon is reflecting on the puzzling injustices he's witnessed in the world, specifically how positions of power and honor are often misallocated. Following his advice on navigating workplace conflicts, he now turns to a broader observation: sometimes, what looks like chaos or a mistake in how society is run actually stems from the folly or favoritism of those in charge. This leads directly into his next point about foolish people being elevated while the wise are overlooked.
"There is an evil that I have seen under the sun, as it were an error proceeding from the ruler: folly is set in many high places, and the rich sit in a low place. I have seen slaves on horses, and princes walking on the ground like slaves." — This verse highlights an "error proceeding from the ruler," but it's not necessarily about a ruler making a mistake. It can actually mean that the evil itself is an error, like a blunder in how t…
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Last reviewed October 2026
