Ecclesiastes 10:2
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
A wise man's heart is at his right hand; but a fool's heart at his left.
American King James Version (AKJV)
A wise man's heart is at his right hand; but a fool's heart at his left.
American Standard Version (ASV)
A wise man's heart is at his right hand; but a fool's heart at his left.
Basic English Translation (BBE)
The heart of the wise man goes in the right direction; but the heart of a foolish man in the wrong.
Webster's Revision
A wise man's heart is at his right hand; but a fool's heart is at his left.
World English Bible
A wise man's heart is at his right hand, but a fool's heart at his left.
English Revised Version (ERV)
A wise man's heart is at his right hand; but a fool's heart at his left.
Clarke's Ecclesiastes 10:2 Bible Commentary
A wise man's heart is at his right hand - As the right hand is ordinarily the best exercised, strongest, and most ready, and the left the contrary, they show,
1. The command which the wise man has over his own mind, feelings, passions, etc., and the prudence with which he acts. And,
2. The want of prudence and management in the fool, who has no restraint on his passions, and no rule or guard upon his tongue. The right hand and the left are used in Scripture to express good and evil. The wise man is always employed in doing good; the fool, in nonsense or evil.
Barnes's Ecclesiastes 10:2 Bible Commentary
The metaphor perhaps means "A wise man's sense is in its place, ready to help and protect him; but a fool's sense is missing when it is wanted, and so is useless."
Wesley's Ecclesiastes 10:2 Bible Commentary
10:2 Heart - His understanding is always present with him and ready to direct him. He mentions the right hand, because that is the common instrument of action. A fool's - His understanding is not effectual to govern his affections and actions.