Ecclesiastes 10:18

When no work is done the roof goes in, and when the hands do nothing water comes into the house.

Bible in Basic English

In The King James Version

By much slothfulness the building decayeth; and through idleness of the hands the house droppeth through.

In Context

17Happy is the land whose ruler is of noble birth, and whose chiefs take food at the right time, for strength and not for feasting.

19A feast is for laughing, and wine makes glad the heart; but by the one and the other money is wasted.

Read all of Ecclesiastes 10

Cross References

Proverbs 12:24The hand of the ready worker will have authority, but he who is slow in his work will be put to forced work.

Proverbs 20:4The hater of work will not do his ploughing because of the winter; so at the time of grain-cutting he will be requesting food and will get nothing.

Proverbs 23:21For those who take delight in drink and feasting will come to be in need; and through love of sleep a man will be poorly clothed.

Hebrews 6:11And it is our desire that you may all keep the same high purpose in certain hope to the end:

Matthew Henry on Ecclesiastes 10:17-20

Mutual Duties of Princes and Subjects. 16 Woe to thee, O land, when thy king is a child, and thy princes eat in the morning! 17 Blessed art thou, O land, when thy king is the son of nobles, and thy princes eat in due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness! 18 By much slothfulness the building decayeth; and through idleness of the hands the house droppeth through. 19 A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry: but money answereth all things. 20 Curse not the king, no not in thy thought; and curse… Read the whole commentary →

This Verse In Other Editions

Study Ecclesiastes 10:18