Add parallel Print Page Options

The Value of Work

16 It is very bad for a country if the king is like a child. And it is very bad for a country if its rulers use all their time eating. 17 But it is very good for a country if the king comes from a good family.[a] And it is very good for a country if the rulers control their eating and drinking. They eat and drink to become strong, not to become drunk.

18 If someone is too lazy to work,
    their house will begin to leak, and the roof will fall in.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Ecclesiastes 10:17 comes from a good family Literally, “is a son of freedmen.” This is a person who was never a slave and whose parents were not slaves.

Bible Gateway Recommends

Holy Bible Easy to Read Version (ERV), Duotone, Green/Tan - case of 24
Holy Bible Easy to Read Version (ERV), Duotone, Green/Tan - case of 24
Retail: $455.76
Our Price: $323.76
Save: $132.00 (29%)
Holy Bible Easy to Read Version (ERV) English Green/Tan (Duotone)
Holy Bible Easy to Read Version (ERV) English Green/Tan (Duotone)
Retail: $18.99
Our Price: $13.99
Save: $5.00 (26%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars
PDT Spanish Paperback Bible
PDT Spanish Paperback Bible
Retail: $9.99
Our Price: $7.99
Save: $2.00 (20%)
3.0 of 5.0 stars
ERV Flexcover Bible, Case of 28
ERV Flexcover Bible, Case of 28
Retail: $223.72
Our Price: $167.72
Save: $56.00 (25%)
ERV God's Word: Your Journey to Freedom
ERV God's Word: Your Journey to Freedom
Retail: $7.99
Our Price: $6.29
Save: $1.70 (21%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars
PDT Children's Softcover Bible
PDT Children's Softcover Bible
Retail: $10.99
Our Price: $8.49
Save: $2.50 (23%)
4.0 of 5.0 stars