folly is set in many high places, and the rich sit in a low place.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Ecclesiastes 10:6
What does Ecclesiastes 10:6 mean?
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Ecclesiastes 10:6
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The verse isn't just lamenting that fools are in power; it's highlighting a specific kind of inversion. "Folly" is placed in "great heights" – lofty, prominent positions – while those who possess wisdom and good sense (implied by "the rich," meaning rich in spirit or ability) are relegated to lowly, overlooked places. This isn't just about incompetence, but about the perversion of rightful order where true worth is disregarded.
folly is set in many high places, and the rich sit in a low place.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The Teacher is describing the topsy-turvy situations that he observes in the world, where foolish and unworthy individuals are often elevated to positions of power and honor. In contrast, those who possess wisdom, noble character, and potentially true leadership qualities are often overlooked and relegated to obscurity, creating a sense of profound injustice.
Ever felt like the wrong people are in charge? Like competence and wisdom are overlooked while foolishness is celebrated?
This verse paints a stark picture of societal inversion: 'folly is set in great dignity.' This isn't just about silly mistakes; it refers to those lacking wisdom, good judgment, and often moral character, being placed in positions of power and influence. It's a world turned upside down, where the foolish are elevated.
Conversely, 'the rich sit in a low place.' The commentators highlight that 'rich' here often doesn't just mean wealthy in money, but 'rich' in wisdom, noble birth, or inherent merit. These capable, worthy individuals are overlooked, neglected, or even actively pushed down. This creates a deeply dysfunctional system where the best are sidelined and the worst are in control.
What happens when the people making the big decisions are simply... not equipped for the job?
The placement of 'folly' in high positions isn't just an unfortunate accident; it's often the result of poor leadership, favoritism, or outright tyranny. The commentaries suggest that rulers, or 'princes,' sometimes elevate 'unworthy favorites' or those who are 'baseborn' out of caprice or personal preference, rather than merit.
This creates a 'sore calamity to all his people.' When leaders are foolish, decisions are often arbitrary, oppressive, and detrimental to the well-being of society. It highlights the profound responsibility that comes with authority and the devastating consequences when that authority is wielded by those who are not wise or just.
Understand the original words
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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.
This passage echoes the lament that God 'brings the rich and the poor low' or raises them up, highlighting the often-unsettling shifts in social standing that can occur, mirroring the verse's observation of folly being elevated while merit is lowered.
Proverbs 19:10This proverb directly states that 'it is not fitting for a fool to live in luxury, nor for a slave to rule over princes,' which is a powerful parallel to Ecclesiastes 10:6's complaint about folly being in high places and the worthy being in low ones.
Esther 3:1-2The story of Haman, a man of great arrogance and malice ('folly'), being highly promoted by King Ahasuerus, while Mordecai, a wise and faithful man, is initially overlooked, is a vivid illustration of the principle described in Ecclesiastes 10:6.
Luke 1:52Mary's Magnificat declares that God 'has brought down the mighty from their thrones and has exalted those of humble estate,' presenting a divine perspective on the reversal of fortunes that often happens, which can be seen both as a correction of the 'folly in high places' and an elevation of the 'rich' (in spirit and worth) sitting low.
wesleyEcclesiastes 10:6: "Folly is set in great dignity, and the rich sit in low place."
10:6 The rich - Wise and worthy men, rich in endowments of mind.
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,…
The verse isn't just lamenting that fools are in power; it's highlighting a specific kind of inversion. "Folly" is placed in "great heights" – lofty, prominent positions – while those who possess wisdom and good sense (implied by "the rich," meaning rich in spirit or ability) are relegated to lowly, overlooked places. This isn't just about incompetence, but about the perversion of rightful order where true worth is disregarded.
The Teacher is describing the topsy-turvy situations that he observes in the world, where foolish and unworthy individuals are often elevated to positions of power and honor. In contrast, those who possess wisdom, noble character, and potentially true leadership qualities are often overlooked and relegated to obscurity, creating a sense of profound injustice.
The Teacher is describing the topsy-turvy situations that he observes in the world, where foolish and unworthy individuals are often elevated to positions of power and honor. In contrast, those who possess wisdom, noble character, and potentially true leadership qualities are often overlooked and relegated to obscurity, creating a sense of profound injustice.
"folly is set in many high places, and the rich sit in a low place." — The verse isn't just lamenting that fools are in power; it's highlighting a specific kind of inversion. "Folly" is placed in "great heights" – lofty, prominent positions – while those who possess wis…
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Last reviewed October 2026