Ecclesiastes 10:11
If the snake bites before it is charmed, there is no profit for the charmer.
Berean Standard Bible
In The King James Version
Surely the serpent will bite without enchantment; and a babbler is no better.
In Context
12The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool consume him.
Cross References
Psalms 58:4Their venom is like the venom of a snake, like a cobra that shuts its ears,
Psalms 64:3who sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their bitter words like arrows,
Jeremiah 8:17“For behold, I will send snakes among you, vipers that cannot be charmed, and they will bite you,” declares 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 →