Ecclesiastes 10:12
The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself.
King James Version
In Context
11Surely the serpent will bite without enchantment; and a babbler is no better.
Cross References
2 Samuel 1:16And David said unto him, Thy blood be upon thy head; for thy mouth hath testified against thee, saying, I have slain the LORD’S anointed.
Job 4:3Behold, thou hast instructed many, and thou hast strengthened the weak hands.
Psalms 37:30The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment.
Psalms 64:8So they shall make their own tongue to fall upon themselves: all that see them shall flee away.
Psalms 140:9As for the head of those that compass me about, let the mischief of their own lips cover them.
Proverbs 10:10He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow: but 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 →