Ecclesiastes 10:13

13 The beginning of the words of his mouth is folly: and the end of his talk mischievous 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 a serpent bite when there is no whisper, then there is no advantage to the charmer.

12 The words of a wise mouth are gracious: but the lips of a fool will swallow him up.

13 The beginning of the words of his mouth is folly: and the end of his talk mischievous madness.

14 A fool moreover multiplies words: man knows not what has been, nor what will be: who shall tell him what will come after him?

15 The labour of fools will afflict them, who knows not to go to the city.