Ecclesiastes 10:13
Ecclesiastes 10:13 in Multiple Translations
The beginning of his talk is folly, and the end of his speech is evil madness.
The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness: and the end of his talk is mischievous madness.
The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness; and the end of his talk is mischievous madness.
The first words of his mouth are foolish, and the end of his talk is evil crime.
Fools begin by saying foolish things, and end up talking evil nonsense.
The beginning of the wordes of his mouth is foolishnesse, and the latter ende of his mouth is wicked madnesse.
The beginning of the words of his mouth [is] folly, And the latter end of his mouth [Is] mischievous madness.
The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness; and the end of his talk is mischievous madness.
The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness: and the end of his talk is mischievous madness.
The beginning of his words is folly, and the end of his talk is a mischievous error.
When foolish people start to talk, they say things that are foolish, and they end by saying things that are both wicked and foolish.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ecclesiastes 10:13
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Ecclesiastes 10:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
תְּחִלַּ֥ת
דִּבְרֵי
פִ֖י/הוּ
סִכְל֑וּת
וְ/אַחֲרִ֣ית
פִּ֔י/הוּ
הוֹלֵל֖וּת
רָעָֽה
תְּחִלַּ֥ת
tᵉchillâh
H8462
beginning
N-fs
דִּבְרֵי
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
N-mp
פִ֖י/הוּ
peh
H6310
lip
N-ms | Suff
סִכְל֑וּת
çiklûwth
H5531
folly
N-fs
וְ/אַחֲרִ֣ית
ʼachărîyth
H319
end
Conj | N-fs
פִּ֔י/הוּ
peh
H6310
lip
N-ms | Suff
הוֹלֵל֖וּת
hôwlêlûwth
H1948
madness
N-fs
רָעָֽה
raʻ
H7451
bad
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ecclesiastes 10:13
תְּחִלַּ֥ת
tᵉchillâh
H8462
"beginning"
N-fs
In the Bible, this word means the start of something, like the beginning of a project or a new phase of life, as seen in Genesis and Psalms.
Definition: 1) beginning, first 1a) the first time 1b) from the beginning, in the beginning (with prep)
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: begin(-ning), first (time). See also: Genesis 13:3; 2 Kings 17:25; Proverbs 9:10.
דִּבְרֵי
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
N-mp
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
פִ֖י/הוּ
peh
H6310
"lip"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the mouth, lips, or edge of something, and can also mean a portion or side of something. It is often used to describe speech or the act of speaking. This word appears in various forms, such as mouth, lip, or edge.
Definition: : lip/mouth peh 1) mouth 1a) mouth (of man) 1b) mouth (as organ of speech) 1c) mouth (of animals) 1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc) 1e) extremity, end pim 2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21
Usage: Occurs in 460 OT verses. KJV: accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. See also: Genesis 4:11; Deuteronomy 21:17; Ezra 9:11.
סִכְל֑וּת
çiklûwth
H5531
"folly"
N-fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to foolish or silly behavior, like in Proverbs 9:13-18, where it describes the folly of a foolish woman. It can also mean a foolish or senseless act. English Bibles often translate it as 'folly' or 'foolishness'.
Definition: folly, foolishness Another spelling of sikh.lut (סִכְלוּת "folly" H5531B)
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: folly, foolishness. See also: Ecclesiastes 1:17; Ecclesiastes 2:13; Ecclesiastes 10:13.
וְ/אַחֲרִ֣ית
ʼachărîyth
H319
"end"
Conj | N-fs
End refers to the last or final part of something, including time or events. It can also mean the future or what comes after. In the Bible, it is often used to describe the latter time or posterity.
Definition: 1) after part, end 1a) end, issue, event 1b) latter time (prophetic for future time) 1c) posterity 1d) last, hindermost Aramaic equivalent: a.cha.rit (אַחֲרִית "latter" H0320)
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: (last, latter) end (time), hinder (utter) -most, length, posterity, remnant, residue, reward. See also: Genesis 49:1; Ecclesiastes 7:8; Psalms 37:37.
פִּ֔י/הוּ
peh
H6310
"lip"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the mouth, lips, or edge of something, and can also mean a portion or side of something. It is often used to describe speech or the act of speaking. This word appears in various forms, such as mouth, lip, or edge.
Definition: : lip/mouth peh 1) mouth 1a) mouth (of man) 1b) mouth (as organ of speech) 1c) mouth (of animals) 1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc) 1e) extremity, end pim 2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21
Usage: Occurs in 460 OT verses. KJV: accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. See also: Genesis 4:11; Deuteronomy 21:17; Ezra 9:11.
הוֹלֵל֖וּת
hôwlêlûwth
H1948
"madness"
N-fs
Similar to H1947, this word also means madness or folly, describing a state of mind that is foolish or lacking in wisdom. It is used in the book of Ecclesiastes to describe the fleeting nature of life. This concept is discussed in Ecclesiastes 1:17.
Definition: madness
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: madness. See also: Ecclesiastes 10:13.
רָעָֽה
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
Adj
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
Study Notes — Ecclesiastes 10:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ecclesiastes 10:13 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 10:13
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 10:13
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 10:13
- Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 10:13
- Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 10:13
- Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 10:13
- Sermons on Ecclesiastes 10:13
Context — Wisdom and Folly
11If the snake bites before it is charmed, there is no profit for the charmer.
12The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool consume him.
13The beginning of his talk is folly, and the end of his speech is evil madness.
14Yet the fool multiplies words. No one knows what is coming, and who can tell him what will come after him? 15The toil of a fool wearies him, for he does not know the way to the city.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 25:10–11 | But Nabal asked them, “Who is David? Who is this son of Jesse? Many servants these days are breaking away from their masters. Why should I take my bread and water and the meat I have slaughtered for my shearers, and give them to these men whose origin I do not know?” |
| 2 | Proverbs 29:9 | If a wise man goes to court with a fool, there will be raving and laughing with no resolution. |
| 3 | Acts 6:9–11 | But resistance arose from what was called the Synagogue of the Freedmen, including Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and men from the provinces of Cilicia and Asia. They began to argue with Stephen, but they could not stand up to his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke. Then they prompted some men to say, “We heard Stephen speak words of blasphemy against Moses and against God.” |
| 4 | Luke 6:2 | But some of the Pharisees asked, “Why are you doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?” |
| 5 | 2 Kings 6:27 | He answered, “If the LORD does not help you, where can I find help for you? From the threshing floor or the winepress?” |
| 6 | Luke 11:53–54 | As Jesus went on from there, the scribes and Pharisees began to oppose Him bitterly and to ply Him with questions about many things, waiting to catch Him in something He might say. |
| 7 | 2 Samuel 19:41–1 | — |
| 8 | 1 Samuel 22:7–8 | Then Saul said to his servants, “Listen, men of Benjamin! Is the son of Jesse giving all of you fields and vineyards and making you commanders of thousands or hundreds? Is that why all of you have conspired against me? Not one of you told me that my own son had made a covenant with the son of Jesse. Not one of you has shown concern for me or revealed to me that my son has stirred up my own servant to lie in wait against me, as is the case today.” |
| 9 | Luke 6:11 | But the scribes and Pharisees were filled with rage and began to discuss with one another what they might do to Jesus. |
| 10 | 1 Samuel 22:16–18 | But the king replied, “You will surely die, Ahimelech, you and all your father’s house!” Then the king ordered the guards at his side, “Turn and kill the priests of the LORD, because they too sided with David. For they knew he was fleeing, but they did not tell me.” But the king’s servants would not lift a hand to strike the priests of the LORD. So the king ordered Doeg, “You turn and strike down the priests!” And Doeg the Edomite turned and struck down the priests himself. On that day he killed eighty-five men who wore the linen ephod. |
Ecclesiastes 10:13 Summary
This verse is saying that when a foolish person starts talking, they often begin with silly or foolish ideas, and by the time they finish speaking, their words have become completely crazy and evil. This is a warning to be careful about the words we speak and the company we keep, because foolish speech can lead to evil consequences, as seen in Proverbs 22:24-25. We should strive to speak words that are gracious and wise, as encouraged in Colossians 4:6, and to use our words to build others up and bring glory to God, as seen in Ephesians 4:29. By being mindful of our words and seeking to speak wisely, we can avoid the pitfalls of foolish speech and bring honor to God.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of person is being described in Ecclesiastes 10:13?
The person being described is a fool, whose words and actions are characterized by folly and evil madness, as seen in the contrast with the wise man in Ecclesiastes 10:12.
How does this verse relate to the importance of wise speech?
This verse highlights the importance of wise and gracious speech, as seen in Ecclesiastes 10:12, and warns against the destructive nature of foolish and evil words, which can be compared to the destructive power of the tongue in James 3:6.
Is this verse saying that all foolish people are evil?
No, this verse is not saying that all foolish people are evil, but rather that the speech of a fool can lead to evil madness, as seen in the progression from folly to evil madness in Ecclesiastes 10:13, and it is a warning to be mindful of the words we speak, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:29.
How can we apply this verse to our everyday lives?
We can apply this verse by being mindful of the words we speak and the company we keep, as warned in Proverbs 22:24-25, and striving to speak words that are gracious and wise, as encouraged in Colossians 4:6.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that foolish speech can lead to evil consequences in my own life?
- How can I cultivate wise and gracious speech in my interactions with others, as seen in Ecclesiastes 10:12?
- What are some common pitfalls that can lead to foolish and evil speech, and how can I avoid them, as warned in Proverbs 10:32?
- How can I use my words to build others up and bring glory to God, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:29?
Gill's Exposition on 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
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 10:13
The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness: and the end of his talk is mischievous madness. The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness: and the end of his talk is mischievous madness.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 10:13
All his talk from the beginning to the end is foolish and mischievous, and the more he talks, the more doth his folly appear; he proceeds from evil to worse, and adds wilfulness to his weakness, and never desists till he hath done mischief to himself or to others.
Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 10:13
Ecclesiastes 10:13 The beginning of the words of his mouth [is] foolishness: and the end of his talk [is] mischievous madness.Ver. 13. The beginning o f his words are folly.] He is an inconsiderate idiot, utters incoherences, pours forth a flood of follies, his whole discourse is frivolous, futilous. To begin foolishly may befall a wise man: but when he sees it, or hath it showen unto him, he will not persist: "Once have I spoken," saith holy Job, "but I will not answer again: yea, twice, but I will proceed no further." Much otherwise the fool, and because he will be dicti sui dominus having lashed out at first, he launcheth further out into the deep, as it were, of idle and evil prattle. And if you offer to interrupt or admonish him, the end of his talk is mischievous madness, he blusters and lets fly on all hands, laying about him like a madman. And so we have here, as one saith, the serpent, the babbler (spoken of in the eleventh verse), wreathed into a circle, his two ends, head and tail, meeting together. And as at the one end he is a serpent, having his sting in his head; so at the other end he is a scorpion, having his sting in his tail. Dr Jermin.
Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 10:13
13. The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness] The words point, with a profound insight into human nature, to the progress from bad to worse in one who has the gift of speech without discretion. He begins with what is simply folly, unwise but harmless, but “vires acquirit eundo” he is borne along on the swelling floods of his own declamatory fluency, and ends in what is “mischievous madness.” He commits himself to statements and conclusions which, in his calmer moments, he would have shrunk from. As has been said of such an orator or preacher, without plan or forethought, he “goes forth, not knowing whither he goeth.”
Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 10:13
13. Words… foolishness — The infatuated man would go from folly to frenzy, unless some wise friend should take up his cause, and, leaving the rash rebel in silence, plead for him with the monarch.
Sermons on Ecclesiastes 10:13
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Ministry From James-01 by Dwight Pentecost | In this sermon, the preacher uses two illustrations to emphasize the power of the tongue. The first illustration compares the bit in a horse's mouth to the control a person can hav |
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(1 Samuel) How Not to Respond to an Insult by David Guzik | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of a man named Naval from the book of 1 Samuel. Naval was a wealthy man, but lacked character and was harsh and evil in his actions |
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Epistle 362 by George Fox | George Fox emphasizes the importance of standing firm in the liberty granted by Christ, urging believers to use their freedom not for selfish desires but to serve one another in lo |
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Concerning True Liberty by George Fox | George Fox emphasizes the importance of true liberty in Christ, urging believers to stand firm in their freedom while serving one another in love. He warns against using this liber |
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From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Daniel) ch.6:1-28 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the character of Daniel and his faithfulness in his work. Daniel was a Christian who stood out among his colleagues by being punctual, dilige |
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Characteristics of Pharisees by Zac Poonen | This sermon delves into the characteristics of Pharisees, highlighting their legalistic nature, hypocrisy, hardness of heart, and inability to appreciate true worship. It emphasize |