Ecclesiastes 10:18
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
By much slothfulness the building decays; and through idleness of the hands the house drops through.
American King James Version (AKJV)
By much slothfulness the building decays; and through idleness of the hands the house drops through.
American Standard Version (ASV)
By slothfulness the roof sinketh in; and through idleness of the hands the house leaketh.
Basic English Translation (BBE)
When no work is done the roof goes in, and when the hands do nothing water comes into the house.
Webster's Revision
By much slothfulness the building decayeth; and through idleness of the hands the house droppeth through.
World English Bible
By slothfulness the roof sinks in; and through idleness of the hands the house leaks.
English Revised Version (ERV)
By slothfulness the roof sinketh in; and through idleness of the hands the house leaketh.
Clarke's Ecclesiastes 10:18 Bible Commentary
By much slothfulness - This is remarkably the case in some countries. Houses are not repaired till they almost fall about the ears of the inhabitants. We have an adage that applies to all such cases: "A stitch in time saves nine."
Barnes's Ecclesiastes 10:18 Bible Commentary
The "building" or "house" represents the state. Compare Isaiah 3:6; Amos 9:10.
Droppeth through - i. e., Lets the rain through the roof.
