Ecclesiastes 10:12

The Burden Of Folly

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.

Foolish Man

Wise Man

Words of the Wise

Luke 4:22

They were all speaking well of Him and were amazed by the gracious words that came from His mouth, yet they said, “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?”

Proverbs 15:2

The tongue of the wise makes knowledge attractive,
but the mouth of fools blurts out foolishness.

2 Samuel 1:16

For David had said to the Amalekite, “Your blood is on your own head because your own mouth testified against you by saying, ‘I killed the Lord’s anointed.’”

1 Kings 20:40-42

But while your servant was busy here and there, he disappeared.”

The king of Israel said to him, “That will be your sentence; you yourself have decided it.”

Job 4:3-4

Indeed, you have instructed many
and have strengthened weak hands.

Job 16:5

Instead, I would encourage you with my mouth,
and the consolation from my lips would bring relief.

Psalm 37:30

The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom;
his tongue speaks what is just.

Psalm 40:9-10

I proclaim righteousness in the great assembly;
see, I do not keep my mouth closed—
as You know, Lord.

Psalm 64:8

They will be made to stumble;
their own tongues work against them.
All who see them will shake their heads.

Psalm 71:15-18

My mouth will tell about Your righteousness
and Your salvation all day long,
though I cannot sum them up.

Psalm 140:9

When those who surround me rise up,
may the trouble their lips cause overwhelm them.

Proverbs 10:8

A wise heart accepts commands,
but foolish lips will be destroyed.

Proverbs 10:10

A sly wink of the eye causes grief,
and foolish lips will be destroyed.

Proverbs 10:13-14

Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning,
but a rod is for the back of the one who lacks sense.

Proverbs 10:20-21

The tongue of the righteous is pure silver;
the heart of the wicked is of little value.

Proverbs 10:31-32

The mouth of the righteous produces wisdom,
but a perverse tongue will be cut out.

Proverbs 12:13-14

An evil man is trapped by his rebellious speech,
but a righteous one escapes from trouble.

Proverbs 12:18

There is one who speaks rashly,
like a piercing sword;
but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

Proverbs 15:23

A man takes joy in giving an answer;
and a timely word—how good that is!

Proverbs 16:21-24

Anyone with a wise heart is called discerning,
and pleasant speech increases learning.

Proverbs 18:6-8

A fool’s lips lead to strife,
and his mouth provokes a beating.

Proverbs 19:5

A false witness will not go unpunished,
and one who utters lies will not escape.

Proverbs 22:11

The one who loves a pure heart
and gracious lips—the king is his friend.

Proverbs 22:17-18

Listen closely, pay attention to the words of the wise,
and apply your mind to my knowledge.

Proverbs 25:11-12

A word spoken at the right time
is like gold apples on a silver tray.

Proverbs 26:9

A proverb in the mouth of a fool
is like a stick with thorns,
brandished by the hand of a drunkard.

Proverbs 31:26

She opens her mouth with wisdom
and loving instruction is on her tongue.

Matthew 12:35

A good man produces good things from his storeroom of good, and an evil man produces evil things from his storeroom of evil.

Luke 19:22

“He told him, ‘I will judge you by what you have said, you evil slave! If you knew I was a tough man, collecting what I didn’t deposit and reaping what I didn’t sow,

Ephesians 4:29

No foul language is to come from your mouth, but only what is good for building up someone in need, so that it gives grace to those who hear.

Colossians 4:6

Your speech should always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each person.