Ecclesiastes 10:11
If the serpent bite before it be charmed, then is there no advantage in the charmer.
Revised Version 1895
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 gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself.
Cross References
Psalms 58:4Their poison is like the poison of a serpent: they are like the deaf adder that stoppeth her ear;
Psalms 64:3Who have whet their tongue like a sword, and have aimed their arrows, even bitter words:
Jeremiah 8:17For, behold, I will send serpents, basilisks, among you, which will not be charmed; 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 →