Ecclesiastes 10:12
The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool consume him.
Berean Standard Bible
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 snake bites before it is charmed, there is no profit for the charmer.
13The beginning of his talk is folly, and the end of his speech is evil madness.
Cross References
2 Samuel 1:16For David had said to the Amalekite, “Your blood be on your own head because your own mouth has testified against you, saying, ‘I killed the LORD’s anointed.’”
Job 4:3Surely you have instructed many, and have strengthened their feeble hands.
Psalms 37:30The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justice.
Psalms 64:8They will be made to stumble, their own tongues turned against them. All who see will shake their heads.
Psalms 140:9May the heads of those who surround me be covered in the trouble their lips have caused.
Proverbs 10:10He who winks the eye causes grief, and foolish lips will come to ruin.
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 →