Ecclesiastes 10:13

13 The words of their mouths begin in foolishness, and their talk ends in wicked madness;

Ecclesiastes 10:13 Meaning and Commentary

Ecclesiastes 10:13

The beginning of the words of his mouth [is] foolishness
As soon as ever he opens his mouth, he betrays his folly; the first word he speaks is a foolish one; or it is from the abundant folly in his heart that he speaks, which is the source and spring of all his foolish talk; and the end of his talk [is] mischievous madness;
to himself and others; as he goes on, he appears more and more foolish, and yet more confident of his own wisdom; and is resolutely set on having his own way and will; grows warm, and is violently hot, to have his own words regarded; and, if contradicted, is like a madman, scattering arrows, firebrands, and death; his talk from first to last is a circle of folly; and, though it begins with something weak, and may seem innocent, yet it ends and issues in wickedness and madness, in rage and wrath, in oaths and curses.

Ecclesiastes 10:13 In-Context

11 If the snake bites before it is charmed, there is no advantage in a charmer.
12 Words spoken by the wise bring them favor, but the lips of fools consume them.
13 The words of their mouths begin in foolishness, and their talk ends in wicked madness;
14 yet fools talk on and on. No one knows what is to happen, and who can tell anyone what the future holds?
15 The toil of fools wears them out, for they do not even know the way to town.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.