Ecclésiaste 10:13

13 Le commencement des paroles de sa bouche est une folie, et la fin de son discours une pernicieuse sottise.

Ecclésiaste 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.

Ecclésiaste 10:13 In-Context

11 Si le serpent mord, quand il n'est pas charmé, le médisant ne vaut pas mieux.
12 Les paroles de la bouche du sage sont pleines de grâce; mais les lèvres du fou l'engloutissent.
13 Le commencement des paroles de sa bouche est une folie, et la fin de son discours une pernicieuse sottise.
14 L'insensé multiplie les paroles; toutefois l'homme ne sait ce qui arrivera; et qui lui annoncera ce qui sera après lui
15 Le travail des insensés les lasse, parce qu'ils ne savent pas aller à la ville.
The Ostervald translation is in the public domain.