Ecclesiastes 10:12
Ecclesiastes 10:12 in Multiple Translations
The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool consume him.
The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself.
The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself.
The words of a wise man's mouth are sweet to all, but the lips of a foolish man are his destruction.
Wise words are beneficial, but fools destroy themselves by what they say.
The words of ye mouth of a wise man haue grace: but the lippes of a foole deuoure himselfe.
Words of the mouth of the wise [are] gracious, And the lips of a fool swallow him up.
The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious; but a fool is swallowed by his own lips.
The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself.
The words of the mouth of a wise man are grace: but the lips of a fool shall throw him down headlong.
Wise people say [MTY] what is sensible, and because of that, people honor them; but foolish people are destroyed by what they say [MTY].
Berean Amplified Bible — Ecclesiastes 10:12
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Ecclesiastes 10:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
דִּבְרֵ֥י
פִי
חָכָ֖ם
חֵ֑ן
וְ/שִׂפְת֥וֹת
כְּסִ֖יל
תְּבַלְּעֶֽ/נּוּ
דִּבְרֵ֥י
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
N-mp
פִי
peh
H6310
lip
N-ms
חָכָ֖ם
châkâm
H2450
wise
Adj
חֵ֑ן
chên
H2580
favor
N-ms
וְ/שִׂפְת֥וֹת
sâphâh
H8193
lips
Conj | N-fp
כְּסִ֖יל
kᵉçîyl
H3684
fool
Adj
תְּבַלְּעֶֽ/נּוּ
bâlaʻ
H1104
to swallow up
V-Piel-Imperf-3fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Ecclesiastes 10:12
דִּבְרֵ֥י
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
N-mp
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
פִי
peh
H6310
"lip"
N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the mouth, lips, or edge of something, and can also mean a portion or side of something. It is often used to describe speech or the act of speaking. This word appears in various forms, such as mouth, lip, or edge.
Definition: : lip/mouth peh 1) mouth 1a) mouth (of man) 1b) mouth (as organ of speech) 1c) mouth (of animals) 1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc) 1e) extremity, end pim 2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21
Usage: Occurs in 460 OT verses. KJV: accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. See also: Genesis 4:11; Deuteronomy 21:17; Ezra 9:11.
חָכָ֖ם
châkâm
H2450
"wise"
Adj
This word means wise or skilled, describing someone intelligent or crafty, like a cunning man or a prudent leader.
Definition: 1) wise, wise (man) 1a) skilful (in technical work) 1b) wise (in administration) 1c) shrewd, crafty, cunning, wily, subtle 1d) learned, shrewd (class of men) 1e) prudent 1f) wise (ethically and religiously)
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: cunning (man), subtil, (un-), wise((hearted), man). See also: Genesis 41:8; Proverbs 16:14; Psalms 49:11.
חֵ֑ן
chên
H2580
"favor"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means showing kindness or favor to someone, like God's graciousness to humanity. It appears in the Bible as 'favor' or 'grace'.
Definition: 1) favour, grace, charm 1a) favour, grace, elegance 1b) favour, acceptance
Usage: Occurs in 67 OT verses. KJV: favour, grace(-ious), pleasant, precious, (well-) favoured. See also: Genesis 6:8; 1 Samuel 20:29; Psalms 45:3.
וְ/שִׂפְת֥וֹת
sâphâh
H8193
"lips"
Conj | N-fp
This word refers to lips or language, and can also mean the edge or border of something. It is used in the Bible to describe the shore of a sea or the edge of a cup.
Definition: : lips/mouth 1) lip, language, speech, shore, bank, brink, brim, side, edge, border, binding 1a) lip (as body part) 1b) language 1c) edge, shore, bank (of cup, sea, river, etc)
Usage: Occurs in 164 OT verses. KJV: band, bank, binding, border, brim, brink, edge, language, lip, prating, (sea-)shore, side, speech, talk, (vain) words. See also: Genesis 11:1; Psalms 120:2; Psalms 12:3.
כְּסִ֖יל
kᵉçîyl
H3684
"fool"
Adj
This Hebrew word describes a fool or someone who is stupid and silly. It is often used to describe people who reject God's wisdom. The Bible uses this word to warn against foolish behavior.
Definition: fool, stupid fellow, dullard, simpleton, arrogant one
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: fool(-ish). See also: Psalms 49:11; Proverbs 19:13; Psalms 92:7.
תְּבַלְּעֶֽ/נּוּ
bâlaʻ
H1104
"to swallow up"
V-Piel-Imperf-3fs | Suff
This word means to swallow or destroy something completely. It can be used to describe something being eaten up or destroyed, like in a natural disaster or a strong storm. The Bible uses it to convey total destruction.
Definition: 1) to swallow down, swallow up, engulf, eat up 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to swallow down 1a2) to swallow up, engulf 1b) (Niphal) to be swallowed up 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to swallow 1c2) to swallow up, engulf 1c3) squandering (fig.) 1d) (Pual) to be swallowed up 1e) (Hithpael) to be ended
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: cover, destroy, devour, eat up, be at end, spend up, swallow down (up). See also: Genesis 41:7; Psalms 106:17; Psalms 21:10.
Study Notes — Ecclesiastes 10:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ecclesiastes 10:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 10:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 10:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 10:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 10:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 10:12
- Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 10:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 10:12
- Sermons on Ecclesiastes 10:12
Context — Wisdom and Folly
10If the axe is dull and the blade unsharpened, more strength must be exerted, but skill produces success.
11If the snake bites before it is charmed, there is no profit for the charmer.
12The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool consume him.
13The beginning of his talk is folly, and the end of his speech is evil madness. 14Yet the fool multiplies words. No one knows what is coming, and who can tell him what will come after him?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Colossians 4:6 | Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. |
| 2 | Luke 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. |
| 3 | Proverbs 22:11 | He who loves a pure heart and gracious lips will have the king for a friend. |
| 4 | Proverbs 15:2 | The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool spouts folly. |
| 5 | Ephesians 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. |
| 6 | Proverbs 10:13–14 | Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is for the back of him who lacks judgment. The wise store up knowledge, but the mouth of the fool invites destruction. |
| 7 | Proverbs 10:20–21 | The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked has little worth. The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of judgment. |
| 8 | Proverbs 10:31–32 | The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be cut out. The lips of the righteous know what is fitting, but the mouth of the wicked is perverse. |
| 9 | Proverbs 22:17–18 | Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise— apply your mind to my knowledge— for it is pleasing when you keep them within you and they are constantly on your lips. |
| 10 | Job 4:3–4 | Surely you have instructed many, and have strengthened their feeble hands. Your words have steadied those who stumbled; you have braced the knees that were buckling. |
Ecclesiastes 10:12 Summary
[Ecclesiastes 10:12 teaches us that the words we speak have the power to either build up or tear down, and that wise speech is a key characteristic of a wise person. This is also seen in Proverbs 10:32, which says that the lips of the righteous know what is acceptable. By choosing to speak graciously and wisely, we can avoid the destructive power of foolish words and instead use our words to bless and encourage others, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:29-32.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the words of a wise man and a fool according to Ecclesiastes 10:12?
The words of a wise man are gracious, while the lips of a fool consume him, indicating that wise speech is a hallmark of wisdom, as also seen in Proverbs 10:32 and Proverbs 15:2.
How do the lips of a fool consume him?
The lips of a fool consume him by leading to his own destruction, as his foolish words can lead to trouble and strife, as warned in Proverbs 18:7 and Proverbs 21:23.
What is the significance of the word 'gracious' in describing the words of a wise man?
The word 'gracious' suggests that the words of a wise man are not only wise but also kind, gentle, and pleasant to hear, as emphasized in Colossians 4:6 and Ephesians 4:29.
How can we apply the principle of Ecclesiastes 10:12 in our daily conversations?
We can apply this principle by being mindful of our words, choosing to speak graciously and wisely, and avoiding foolish talk, as exhorted in Ephesians 4:29-32 and James 1:26.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I can cultivate gracious speech in my daily conversations?
- How can I discern whether my words are wise and gracious or foolish and destructive?
- What are some common pitfalls that can lead to foolish speech, and how can I avoid them?
- In what ways can I use my words to build up and encourage others, rather than tearing them down?
Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 10:12
The words of a wise man's mouth [are] gracious,.... Or "grace" (u).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 10:12
The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself. Gracious - literally, grace itself. So the Lord Jesus (Luke 2:52).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 10:12
Gracious, Heb. grace; as profitable, so also acceptable to others, procuring him favour with those who hear him. Will swallow up himself; his discourses are ungracious and offensive to others, and therefore pernicious to himself.
Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 10:12
Ecclesiastes 10:12 The words of a wise man’ s mouth [are] gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself. Ver. 12. The words of a wise man’ s mouth are gracious.] Heb., Are grace; they are nothing but grace, so the French translator hath it; such as render him gracious with God and men, so Lyra glosseth it, as being usually "seasoned with salt, and ministering grace to the hearers." But the lips of a fool swallow up himself.] Suddenly, utterly, unavoidably, as the whale did Jonah, as the devouring sword doth those that fall under it, as the grave doth all the living. How many of all sorts in all ages have perished by their unruly tongues, blabbing or belching out words Quae reditura per iugulum, as Pliny phraseth it that were driven down their throats again by the wronged and aggrieved parties! Take heed, saith the Arabic proverb, lest thy tongue cut thy throat; it is compared to "a sharp razor working deceitfully," which, instead of cutting the hair, cuts the throat. Ne sont que grace. Cave ne feriat lingua tua collum tuum. - Scal. Ar. Prov.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 10:12
Verse 12. The words of a wise man's mouth] Every thing that proceeds from him is decent and orderly, creditable to himself, and acceptable to those who hear him. But the lips of the fool, which speak every thing at random, and have no understanding to guide them, are not only not pleasant to others, but often destructive to himself.
Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 10:12
12. The words of a wise man’s mouth] The mention of the babbling eloquence of “the master of tongue” in the previous verse is naturally followed by precepts fashioned after the type of those in Proverbs 10:8; Proverbs 10:14; Proverbs 10:32; Proverbs 12:13; Proverbs 15:2; Proverbs 17:7 as to that which is of the essence of true eloquence. In “are gracious” (literally are grace itself) we find a parallel to the “gracious words” (literally words of grace) of Luke 4:22. They describe the quality in speech which wins favour, what the Greeks called the ἠθικὴπίστις (moral suasion), which conciliates the good will of the hearers (Aristot. Rhet. i. 2, § 3). the lips of a fool will swallow up himself] The English version rightly preserves the vivid force of the original, instead of weakly paraphrasing it by “destroy” or “consume.” Who has not heard orators who, while they thought they were demolishing their opponents, were simply demolishing themselves, swallowing up their own reputation for honesty or consistency, greeted by the ironical cheers of their opponents, while those of their own party listen in speechless dismay? Our own familiar phrase, when we speak of an imprudent orator having “to eat his own words,” expresses another aspect of the same idea.
Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 10:12
12. Gracious — Hebrew, Conciliating. They win upon the offended ruler, and incline him to clemency, while the talk of the fool would aggravate his case into utter hopelessness.
Sermons on Ecclesiastes 10:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Power of a Kind Word by Mary Wilder Tileston | Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about the power of kind words, emphasizing how they can uplift and bring joy to others, contrasting heaviness in the heart with the gladness that good |
|
What Is in the Well, Will Be in the Bucket by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the significance of our words, warning that every idle word will be accounted for on the day of judgment, as stated in Matthew 12:36. He categorizes variou |
|
Tame Your Tongue by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of taming one's tongue and the dangers of speaking evil. He compares the tongue to a treasure that can bring forth either goo |
|
Building Up My Brother's House by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the theme of not calling anything that God has cleansed common or unclean. He shares that he has been convicted by the Holy Spirit about the |
|
The Foremost Proof of Holiness by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on his early days of preaching with great zeal but little wisdom. He emphasizes the importance of having both wisdom and fire in one's faith. |
|
The Do's and Don'ts of Witnessing to Cults by Walter Martin | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having Christ enthroned in our hearts and lives before defending the Christian Gospel. He shares a personal story of a youn |
|
Building Communication Skills by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of speaking the truth in love, as taught in Ephesians 4:15. He highlights the balanced approach of Jesus, who spoke the truth |