Ecclesiastes 10:12

Modern

The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool consume him.

Traditional

The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself.

Literal

The words of the mouth of a wise one are favor, and the lips of a fool will swallow him up—

Latin

Verba oris sapientis gratia, et labia insipientis præcipitabunt eum;

Hebrew

English

The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool consume him.

Fools face ruin from making foolish promises, giving false testimony, and angering the wrong people (see 5:6; Proverbs 17:20; 18:6–7; 19:5, 9).

Colossians 4:6
Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
Luke 4:22
All spoke well of Him and marveled at the gracious words that came from His lips. “Isn’t this the son of Joseph?” they asked.
Proverbs 15:2
The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool spouts folly.
Proverbs 22:11
He who loves a pure heart and gracious lips will have the king for a friend.
Ephesians 4:29
Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen.
Proverbs 10:31–32
The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be cut out.
Proverbs 10:13–14
Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is for the back of him who lacks judgment.
Proverbs 10:20–21
The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked has little worth.
Job 4:3–4
Surely you have instructed many, and have strengthened their feeble hands.
Proverbs 12:18
Speaking rashly is like a piercing sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
Proverbs 22:17–18
Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise—apply your mind to my knowledge—
Proverbs 18:6–8
A fool’s lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating.