Ecclesiastes 10:12
The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool will swallow himself up.
A Conservative Version
In The King James Version
The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself.
In Context
11If the serpent bites before it is charmed, then is there no advantage in the charmer.
Cross References
2 Samuel 1:16And David said to him, Thy blood be upon thy head, for thy mouth has testified against thee, saying, I have slain LORD's anointed.
Job 4:3Behold, thou have instructed many, and thou have strengthened the weak hands.
Psalms 37:30The mouth of a righteous man talks of wisdom, and his tongue speaks justice.
Psalms 64:8So they shall be made to stumble, their own tongue being against them. All who see them shall wag the head.
Psalms 140:9As for the head of those who encompass me around, let the mischief of their own lips cover them.
Proverbs 10:10He who winks with the eye causes sorrow. And a prating fool shall fall.
Matthew Henry on Ecclesiastes 10:5-12
Mutual Duties of Princes and Subjects. 4 If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great offences. 5 There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, as an error which proceedeth from the ruler: 6 Folly is set in great dignity, and the rich sit in low place. 7 I have seen servants upon horses, and princes walking as servants upon the earth. 8 He that diggeth a pit shall fall into it; and whoso breaketh a hedge, a serpent shall bite him. 9 Whoso removeth stones… Read the whole commentary →