13 The beginning of his talk is folly, and the end of his speech is evil madness. 14 Yet the fool multiplies words. No one knows what is coming, and who can tell him what will come after him? 15 The toil of a fool wearies him, for he does not know the way to the city. 16 Woe to you, O land whose king is a youth, and whose princes feast in the morning.
Ecclesiastes 10:13–16
Semantically similar passages
Ecclesiastes 5:2–4
2 Do not be quick to speak, and do not be hasty in your heart to utter a word before God. After all, God is in heaven and you are on earth. So let your words be few. 3 As a dream comes through many cares, so the speech of a fool comes with many words. 4 When you make…
Ecclesiastes 8:6–8
6 For there is a right time and procedure to every purpose, though a man’s misery weighs heavily upon him. 7 Since no one knows what will happen, who can tell him what is to come? 8 As no man has power over the wind to contain it, so no one has authority over his day…
Ecclesiastes 5:15–17
15 As a man came from his mother’s womb, so he will depart again, naked as he arrived. He takes nothing for his labor to carry in his hands. 16 This too is a grievous evil: Exactly as a man is born, so he will depart. What does he gain as he toils for the wind? 17 Moreo…
Ecclesiastes 6:10–12
10 Whatever exists was named long ago, and what happens to a man is foreknown; but he cannot contend with one stronger than he. 11 For the more words, the more futility—and how does that profit anyone? 12 For who knows what is good for a man during the few days in which…
Proverbs 18:5–7
5 Showing partiality to the wicked is not good, nor is depriving the innocent of justice. 6 A fool’s lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating. 7 A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul.
Proverbs 29:19–21
19 A servant cannot be corrected by words alone; though he understands, he will not respond. 20 Do you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him. 21 A servant pampered from his youth will bring grief in the end.
Sirach 19:22–24
22 The knowledge of wickedness is not wisdom. The prudence of sinners is not counsel. (WEB) 23 There is a wickedness, and it is an abomination. There is a fool lacking in wisdom. (WEB) 24 Better is one who has little understanding, and fears God, than one who has much intelligence… (WEB)
Ecclesiastes 10:2–4
2 A wise man’s heart inclines to the right, but the heart of a fool to the left. 3 Even as the fool walks along the road, his sense is lacking, and he shows everyone that he is a fool. 4 If the ruler’s temper flares against you, do not abandon your post, for calmness…
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