Whoso removeth stones shall be hurt therewith; and he that cleaveth wood shall be endangered thereby.
Anyone who moves stones can get hurt by them, and whoever splits wood puts themselves at risk of injury.
This verse is warning that even ordinary work and necessary tasks come with risks and potential dangers.
📚 Historical Context
Ecclesiastes was written in ancient Israel, likely by King Solomon, during a time when manual labor like moving stones for building or splitting wood for fuel was a common part of daily life in an agrarian society. This verse appears in a section of the book that reflects on the futility of folly and the need for wisdom, using everyday examples to show how careless actions lead to harm. It fits into the broader wisdom literature of the Old Testament, which seeks to guide people toward prudent living amid life's uncertainties.
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