Ecclesiastes 10:13

13 the beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness, and the end of his talk is 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 Surely the serpent will bite if not charmed, and a babbler is no better.
12 The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool will swallow himself up;
13 the beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness, and the end of his talk is mischievous madness.
14 A fool also is full of words: A man cannot tell what shall be; and what shall be after him -- who can tell him?
15 The labor of the foolish wearieth every one of them, because he knoweth not how to go to the city.
Third Millennium Bible (TMB), New Authorized Version, Copyright 1998 by Deuel Enterprises, Inc., Gary, SD 57237. All rights reserved.