A wise man’s heart inclines to the right
In biblical times, the right side often symbolized strength, honor, and favor. The right hand was associated with skill and power, as seen in Psalm 110:1, where the Messiah is invited to sit at the right hand of God. The heart, in Hebrew thought, represents the center of one's being, including mind, will, and emotions. Thus, a wise man's heart inclining to the right suggests a disposition towards righteousness, wisdom, and moral integrity. This aligns with the broader biblical theme that wisdom leads to life and blessing, as seen in Proverbs 3:13-18.

but the heart of a fool to the left
In contrast, the left side was often seen as weaker or less favorable. The fool, in biblical literature, is not merely someone lacking intelligence but one who rejects God's wisdom and moral order. The heart of a fool inclining to the left symbolizes a tendency towards folly, moral failure, and spiritual blindness. This is consistent with the depiction of fools in Proverbs, such as Proverbs 1:7, where fools despise wisdom and instruction. The dichotomy between right and left here underscores the moral and spiritual choices that define one's path, echoing the broader biblical narrative of choosing between life and death, blessing and curse, as seen in Deuteronomy 30:19.

1. Solomon
Traditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His reflections in Ecclesiastes often explore the meaning of life and the pursuit of wisdom.

2. Israel
The nation where Solomon reigned as king. The cultural and religious context of Israel during Solomon's time influences the themes and teachings found in Ecclesiastes.

3. The Wise and the Fool
These are archetypal figures used throughout wisdom literature to contrast those who live according to God's wisdom and those who reject it.The Heart's Direction
The heart is central to our decision-making and moral compass. A wise heart aligns with righteousness and God's will, while a foolish heart leads to poor choices and spiritual peril.

Symbolism of Right and Left
In biblical symbolism, the right often represents strength, honor, and favor, while the left can symbolize weakness or deviation. This imagery underscores the importance of aligning with God's wisdom.

Wisdom as a Daily Choice
Every day presents opportunities to choose wisdom over folly. This requires intentionality in seeking God's guidance and aligning our hearts with His truth.

Guarding Against Folly
Recognize the subtle ways folly can infiltrate our lives through pride, impulsiveness, or neglect of spiritual disciplines. Vigilance and humility are key to maintaining a wise heart.

The Influence of the Heart
Our actions and words are reflections of our heart's condition. Regular self-examination and repentance help ensure our hearts are inclined toward wisdom.(2) At his right hand.--Perhaps better, towards his right hand, i.e., leads him to go to the right hand. The thought is the same as Ecclesiastes 2:13, namely, that though the actual results of wisdom are often disappointing, the superiority of wisdom over folly is undeniable.

Verses 2, 3. - A tetrastich contrasting wisdom and folly. Verse 2. - A wise man's heart is at his right hand; but a fool's heart at his left. There is here no reference to the classical use of right and left, as ominous of success and disaster, which is never found in the Old Testament. The right hand is the place of honor, the left of inferiority, as a matter of fact, not of superstition and luck. The symbolism is intimated in Christ's account of the judgment (Matthew 25:31, etc.). But in the present passage we should best paraphrase - The wise man's heart, his understanding and sentiments, lead him to what is right and proper and straightforward; the fool's heart leads him astray, in the wrong direction. The former is active and skilful, the latter is slow and awkward. One, we may say, has no left hand, the other has no right. To be at the right hand is to be ready to help and guard. "The Lord is at thy right band," to protect thee, says the psalmist (Psalm 110:5). The wise man's mind shows him how to escape dangers and direct his course safely; the fool's mind helps him not to any good purpose, causes him to err and miss his best object.

Parallel Commentaries ...


A wise man’s
חָכָם֙ (ḥā·ḵām)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 2450: Wise

heart
לֵ֤ב (lêḇ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3820: The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre

inclines to the right,
לִֽימִינ֔וֹ (lî·mî·nōw)
Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3225: The right hand, side, the south

but the heart
וְלֵ֥ב (wə·lêḇ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3820: The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre

of a fool
כְּסִ֖יל (kə·sîl)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3684: Stupid fellow, dullard, fool

to the left.
לִשְׂמֹאלֽוֹ׃ (liś·mō·lōw)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 8040: Dark, the north, the left hand


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OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 10:2 A wise man's heart is at his (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.)