How we cite our quotes: (Chapter:Verse)
Quote #7
There is an evil that I have seen under the sun, as great an error as if it proceeded from the ruler: folly is set in many high places, and the rich sit in a low place. I have seen slaves on horseback, and princes walking on foot like slaves. (NRSV 10:5-7)
There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, as an error which proceedeth from the ruler: Folly is set in great dignity, and the rich sit in low place. I have seen servants upon horses, and princes walking as servants upon the earth. (KJV 10:5-7)
Yet, even though folly ruins your ability to enjoy life, there are still fools everywhere. They get rich and get into positions of power, even though they don't deserve it and are incapable of enjoying it. And wise people are stuck in lowly places. It's just the way things are.
Quote #8
Words spoken by the wise bring them favor, but the lips of fools consume them. The words of their mouths begin in foolishness, and their talk ends in wicked madness; yet fools talk on and on. No one knows what is to happen, and who can tell anyone what the future holds? The toil of fools wears them out, for they do not even know the way to town. (NRSV 10:12-15)
The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself. The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness: and the end of his talk is mischievous madness. A fool also is full of words: a man cannot tell what shall be; and what shall be after him, who can tell him? The labour of the foolish wearieth every one of them, because he knoweth not how to go to the city. (KJV 10:12-15)
This is just another attack on fools, pointing out how they talk too much. Too much talking will lead to madness, apparently. Ecclesiastes is really concerned that we get this point.