Ecclesiastes 10:11

Whoever slanders in secret is nothing less than a snake that bites silently.

Catholic Public Domain Version

In The King James Version

Surely the serpent will bite without enchantment; and a babbler is no better.

In Context

10If the iron is dull, and if it was not that way before, but has been made dull by much labor, then it will be sharpened. And wisdom will follow after diligence.

12Words from the mouth of a wise man are graceful, but the lips of a foolish man will throw him down with violence.

Read all of Ecclesiastes 10

Cross References

Psalms 58:4For behold, they have seized my soul. The strong have rushed upon me.

Psalms 64:3Hear my prayer: all flesh will come to you.

Jeremiah 8:17For behold, I will send among you serpents, king snakes, against which there is no charm, and they will bite you, says the Lord.

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 →

This Verse In Other Editions

Study Ecclesiastes 10:11