Ecclesiastes 10:12
The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself.
JPS TaNaKH 1917
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 serpent bite before it is charmed, then the charmer hath no advantage.
13The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness; and the end of his talk is grievous madness.
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 uttereth wisdom, and his tongue speaketh justice.
Psalms 64:8(64-9) So they make their own tongue a stumbling unto themselves; all that see them shake the head.
Psalms 140:9(140-10) As 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; and 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 →