Ecclesiastes 10:12
The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious; but a fool is swallowed by his own lips.
World English Bible Classic
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, then is there no profit for the charmer’s tongue.
Cross References
2 Samuel 1:16David said to him, “Your blood be on your head, for your mouth has testified against you, saying, ‘I have slain the LORD’s anointed.’”
Job 4:3Behold, you have instructed many, you have strengthened the weak hands.
Psalms 37:30The mouth of the righteous talks of wisdom. His tongue speaks justice.
Psalms 64:8Their own tongues shall ruin them. All who see them will shake their heads.
Psalms 140:9As for the head of those who surround me, let the mischief of their own lips cover them.
Proverbs 10:10One who winks with the eye causes sorrow, but a chattering fool will 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 →