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Job 4:3,4
Behold, thou hast instructed many, and thou hast strengthened the weak hands…

Job 16:5
But I would strengthen you with my mouth, and the moving of my lips should asswageyour grief.

Psalm 37:30
The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment.

gracious

2 Samuel 1:16
And David said unto him, Thy bloodbe upon thy head; for thy mouth hath testified against thee, saying, I have slain the LORD'S anointed.

1 Kings 20:40-42
And as thy servant was busy here and there, he was gone. And the king of Israel said unto him, Soshall thy judgmentbe; thyself hast decidedit…

Psalm 64:8
So they shall make their own tongue to fall upon themselves: all that see them shall flee away.

but the lips of a fool consume him
This part of the verse contrasts the destructive nature of foolish speech. In biblical terms, a fool is someone who rejects wisdom and understanding, often leading to self-destruction (Proverbs 18:7). The imagery of being "consumed" suggests that foolish words can lead to one's downfall, both socially and spiritually. Historically, the consequences of foolishness were evident in the lives of biblical figures such as Nabal (1 Samuel 25), whose folly nearly led to disaster. The New Testament warns against careless words, emphasizing accountability (Matthew 12:36-37). This phrase serves as a cautionary reminder of the power of words and the importance of seeking divine wisdom.

Ecclesiastes starts the verse by focusing on a wise person’s speech. Scripture consistently ties true wisdom to a reverent walk with God (Proverbs 9:10). When that God-centered wisdom reaches the lips:

• It reflects careful thought before speaking (Proverbs 15:28: “The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.”)

• It aims to bless, not impress (James 3:13 reminds that wisdom shows itself in “good conduct” marked by humility.)

• It protects relationships because truth and love travel together (Ephesians 4:15).

“Gracious” literally pictures favor and kindness flowing out. The wise person’s words carry:

• Healing power—“Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones” (Proverbs 16:24).

• Seasoning—“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt” (Colossians 4:6), preserving what is good and flavorful in conversation.

• An aroma of Christ that draws people instead of driving them away (2 Corinthians 2:15).

Solomon now flips the coin. “Fool” in Scripture is a moral term, describing one who ignores God’s instruction (Psalm 14:1). Characteristics of foolish speech include:

• Rashness—“A fool’s lips bring strife” (Proverbs 18:6).

• Boasting or slander—“The tongue of the fool proclaims foolishness” (Proverbs 12:23).

• Content that lacks discernment or restraint (Proverbs 29:11).

The fool’s own mouth becomes his undoing. Instead of offering life to others, his words devour himself. This self-destruction unfolds in stages:

• Damaging reputation—“The mouth of the fool invites ruin” (Proverbs 10:14).

• Fracturing relationships—harsh talk alienates friends and family (Proverbs 13:3).

• Inviting God’s discipline—Jesus warns that careless words will be judged (Matthew 12:36).

Unchecked, the fool’s speech boomerangs back, leading to personal collapse—spiritually, socially, even physically.

Ecclesiastes 10:12 draws a sharp line between two kinds of speech. The wise, grounded in reverence for God, speak with grace that refreshes and builds up. The foolish, dismissing God’s ways, spew words that ultimately consume their own lives. Every conversation is therefore an opportunity to choose wisdom—measuring thoughts, seasoning words with kindness, and entrusting the outcome to the Lord who treasures gracious lips.

Ῥῆμα παρὰ καιρὸν ῤιφθὲν ἀνατρέπει βίον.

"Untimely speech has ruined many a life."

Parallel Commentaries ...