Ecclesiastes 10:13

13 The beginning of the words of his mouth is folly, but the end of his speaking is evil 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, then there is no advantage for the charmer.
12 The words from the mouth of a wise man are gracious, but the lips of a fool consume him.
13 The beginning of the words of his mouth is folly, but the end of his speaking is evil madness.
14 Yet the fool multiplies words. No one knows what will happen, and who can tell anyone what will happen after him?
15 The struggles of fools weary them, for they don't know how to go to the city.
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