Ecclesiastes 10:12
Words from the mouth of a wise man are graceful, but the lips of a foolish man will throw him down with violence.
Catholic Public Domain 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
11Whoever slanders in secret is nothing less than a snake that bites silently.
13At the beginning of his words is foolishness, and at the end of his talk is a most grievous error.
Cross References
2 Samuel 1:16And David said to him: “Your blood is upon your own head. For your own mouth has spoken against you, saying: ‘I have killed the Christ of the Lord.’”
Job 4:3Behold, you have taught many, and you have strengthened weary hands.
Psalms 64:8You stir up the depths of the sea, the noise of its waves. The nations will be troubled,
Psalms 140:9Protect me from the snare that they have set up for me and from the scandals of those who work iniquity.
Proverbs 10:10He who winks with the eye gives sorrow. And the foolish in lips shall be beaten.
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 →