Ecclesiastes 10:11
If a serpent will bite, unless he is charmed, then there is nothing better for him that owneth a tongue.
The Emphasised Bible by J. B. Rotherham
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 pleasant,—but, the lips of a dullard, will swallow him up:
Cross References
Psalms 58:4Their poison, is like unto the poison of a serpent, Like the deaf adder, that stoppeth his ear;
Psalms 64:3Who have sharpened, like a sword, their tongue, Have made ready their arrow—a bitter word;
Jeremiah 8:17For behold me! sending among you serpents—vipers which there is no charming,—And they shall fatally bite you declareth Yahweh.
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 →