Ecclesiastes 10:12
10 If the axe is dull and the blade unsharpened, more strength must be exerted, but skill produces success.
11 If the snake bites before it is charmed, there is no profit for the charmer.
The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool consume him.
13 The beginning of his talk is folly, and the end of his speech is evil madness.
14 Yet the fool multiplies words. No one knows what is coming, and who can tell him what will come after him?
Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.
Compare
- BSB
- The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool consume him.
- KJV
- The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself.
- WEB
- The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious; but a fool is swallowed by his own lips.
- ASV
- The words of a wise man`s mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself.
- DARBY
- The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool swallow up himself.
- BLB
- The words of the mouth of a wise one [are] favor, and the lips of a fool will swallow him up—
- ÅB
- Ord fra den vises munn er liflige, men dårens lepper ødelegger ham selv.
- OTB
- Ord fra den vises munn er nådige, men dårens lepper fortærer ham.
- B1930
- Ord fra den vises munn er liflige, men dårens leber ødelegger ham selv.
Study notes (Tyndale)
Original text and word study
Cross references
Colossians 4:6
Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
Read in contextLuke 4:22
All spoke well of Him and marveled at the gracious words that came from His lips. “Isn’t this the son of Joseph?” they asked.
Read in contextProverbs 15:2
The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool spouts folly.
Read in contextProverbs 22:11
He who loves a pure heart and gracious lips will have the king for a friend.
Read in contextEphesians 4:29
Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen.
Read in contextProverbs 10:20–21
The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked has little worth.
Read in contextProverbs 10:13–14
Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is for the back of him who lacks judgment.
Read in contextProverbs 10:31–32
The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be cut out.
Read in context