Ecclesiastes 10:11
If the serpent do bite because no one uttered a charm, then hath the man that can use his tongue [in charming] no preference.—
Leeser Tanakh
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 [bring] grace; but the lips of a fool will destroy himself.
Cross References
Psalms 58:4(58:5) They have poison like the poison of a serpent: [they are] like the deaf adder that stoppeth her ear;
Psalms 64:3(64:4) Who whet their tongue like a sword, who aim with their arrow, the bitter word:
Jeremiah 8:17For, behold, I will send out against you serpents, basilisks, for which there is no charm, and they shall bite you, saith 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 →