Book of Ecclesiastes - Chapter 10 - Verse 16

The verse "Woe to thee, O land, when thy king is a child, and thy princes eat in the morning!" serves as a warning about the dangers of having immature or inexperienced rulers in positions of power. In ancient times, having a young or inexperienced king could lead to chaos and mismanagement, resulting in suffering for the people of the land. The reference to princes eating in the morning may symbolize indulgence and excess, suggesting that the ruling class is more concerned with their own pleasure and comfort than the well-being of the nation. This verse emphasizes the importance of having wise and capable leaders who prioritize the needs of their people over their own desires. It serves as a reminder of the responsibility that comes with leadership and the potential consequences of having inadequate rulers.

In this verse from Ecclesiastes 10:16, the writer is making a statement about the consequences of having a foolish or inexperienced leader. The word "woe" signifies a sense of impending disaster or judgment, highlighting the severity of the situation. The reference to having a child as a king suggests immaturity and a lack of wisdom, indicating potential instability and poor decision-making at the ruling level. The phrase "princes eat in the morning" may be a metaphor for indulging in luxury and comfort while neglecting their responsibilities to govern wisely and justly. This verse serves as a cautionary reminder of the importance of having wise and capable leaders in positions of power, as their actions can have far-reaching repercussions for the entire nation.