Yet the fool multiplies words.In the wisdom literature of the Bible, a fool is often characterized by a lack of discernment and an abundance of speech.
Proverbs 10:19 warns that "when words are many, sin is not absent," highlighting the danger of excessive talking. The fool's verbosity contrasts with the wise, who are measured in their speech (
Proverbs 17:27-28). In the cultural context of ancient Israel, where oral tradition was significant, the ability to speak wisely was highly valued. The fool's tendency to speak without restraint reflects a deeper spiritual and moral deficiency, as seen in
James 1:26, which advises believers to control their tongues.
No one knows what is coming,
This phrase underscores the theme of human limitation and the unpredictability of life, a recurring motif in Ecclesiastes. The acknowledgment of uncertainty is a call to humility, as seen inJames 4:14, which reminds us that life is a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. The inability to predict the future is a reminder of God's sovereignty, as only He knows the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10). This perspective encourages reliance on God's wisdom rather than human understanding.
and who can tell him what will come after him?
The rhetorical question emphasizes the futility of human attempts to control or predict the future. It reflects the broader biblical narrative that only God holds the future, as seen inDaniel 2:22, where God reveals deep and hidden things. This phrase also connects to the theme of legacy and the uncertainty of what one leaves behind, as discussed inEcclesiastes 2:18-19. The inability to know what will come after one's life points to the need for faith and trust in God's eternal plan, as illustrated inHebrews 11:1, which defines faith as confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The FoolIn the context of Ecclesiastes, the fool is someone who lacks wisdom and understanding, often characterized by excessive talking and a lack of awareness of their own ignorance.
2.
SolomonTraditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom. Ecclesiastes is a reflection on the meaning of life and the pursuit of wisdom.
3.
JerusalemThe central place of worship and governance during Solomon's reign, often serving as the backdrop for his teachings and reflections.
Teaching Points
The Dangers of Excessive SpeechThe fool's tendency to multiply words serves as a warning against speaking without thought or wisdom. In our daily lives, we should strive to be intentional and thoughtful in our communication.
The Uncertainty of the FutureThe verse highlights human limitations in knowing the future. This should lead us to trust in God's sovereignty and plan, rather than relying on our own understanding or predictions.
The Value of Silence and ListeningIn a world full of noise, learning to listen more and speak less can lead to greater wisdom and understanding. Silence can be a powerful tool for reflection and growth.
Humility in Acknowledging Our LimitationsRecognizing that "no one knows what is coming" should cultivate humility in us. We should be cautious in making bold claims about the future and instead seek God's guidance.
The Importance of Wise CounselSurrounding ourselves with wise and godly counsel can help us avoid the pitfalls of foolish speech and decision-making. Seeking advice from those who are spiritually mature can provide clarity and direction.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Ecclesiastes 10:14?
2.How does Ecclesiastes 10:14 warn against excessive talking and foolishness?
3.What does "no one knows what is coming" teach about human limitations?
4.How can Proverbs 10:19 deepen our understanding of Ecclesiastes 10:14?
5.In what ways can we practice wisdom in our speech today?
6.How does Ecclesiastes 10:14 encourage reliance on God's omniscience over human plans?
7.What does Ecclesiastes 10:14 mean by "a fool multiplies words"?
8.How does Ecclesiastes 10:14 challenge our understanding of wisdom and folly?
9.Why does Ecclesiastes emphasize the unpredictability of the future in 10:14?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Ecclesiastes 10?
11.What defines spiritual sickness?
12.Does Ecclesiastes 10:14's critique of verbose fools conflict with the lengthy discourses found elsewhere in Scripture?
13.Did Jesus come to bring peace or division? (Luke 2:14 vs. Matthew 10:34)
14.In Ecclesiastes 11:1, how is 'casting bread upon the waters' supposed to yield a result when bread would dissolve or sink?What Does Ecclesiastes 10:14 Mean
Yet the fool multiplies wordsEcclesiastes 10:14 opens by spotlighting a talkative fool. Solomon is warning us that:
• A fool’s verbosity masks an empty heart.Proverbs 10:19 echoes this: “When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.”
• Endless chatter feeds pride.James 1:19 urges believers to be “quick to listen, slow to speak.”
• Silence can showcase wisdom.Proverbs 17:28 notes, “Even a fool is considered wise if he keeps silent.”
The verse calls us to weigh our words carefully, letting them be few and truthful rather than many and reckless.
No one knows what is comingThe second line brings us face-to-face with human limitation:
• Our understanding of tomorrow is partial at best.Proverbs 27:1 warns, “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.”
• Planning without humility invites presumption.James 4:13-15 reminds merchants who map out future profits, “You do not even know what will happen tomorrow… you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills…’”
• Trusting God, not self-confidence, is the antidote to uncertainty. Jesus’ counsel inMatthew 6:34—“Do not worry about tomorrow”—grounds our hearts in the Father’s care.
Who can tell him what will come after him?Solomon drives home the folly of confident predictions:
• A fool’s many words cannot secure the future or even reveal it.Ecclesiastes 8:7 observes, “Since no one knows what will happen, who can tell him what is to come?”
• Only the Lord sees the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10). The wise therefore seek His guidance rather than broadcasting their own guesses.
• A sobering reminder lies inLuke 12:20: the rich man planned for years ahead, but God said, “This very night your life will be required of you.” True security rests not in forecasts but in surrender to God’s sovereignty.
summaryEcclesiastes 10:14 exposes the emptiness of excessive talk and the arrogance of pretending to know the future. Wise believers listen more than they speak, acknowledge their finiteness, and humbly trust the Lord who alone holds tomorrow.
(14)
A man cannot tell.--This thought occurs repeatedly in this book. (See
reff.) The connection here would be better seen if the clause were introduced with "and yet." The fool's courageous loquacity is contrasted with the cautious silence which experience of his ignorance has taught the wise man.
Verse 14. -
A fool also is full of words. The word for "fool" here is oaks/, which implies a dense, confused thinker. Alive the word was
kesil, which denotes rather the self-confidence of the dull and stupid
man.
Moreover the fool multiplieth words. He not only speaks foolishly, but he says too much (cutup.
Ecclesiastes 5:2). It is not mere loquacity that is here predicated of the fool, though that is one of his characteristics, but, as-the rest of the verse shows, the prating of things about which he knows nothing. He talks as though he knew everything and there were no limitation to human cognition.
A man cannot tell what shall be. And yet, or although, no man can really predict the future. The fool speaks confidently of such things, and thereby proves his imbecility. Instead of "what shall be," the Septuagint has,
Τί τὸ γενόμενον καὶ τί τὸ ἐσόμενον, "What has been and what shall be;" the Vulgate,
Quid ante se fuerit, "What has been before him." This reading was introduced probably to obviate a seeming tautology in the following clause,
And what shall be after him, who can tell? But this clause has a different signification from the former, and presents a closer definition. The future intended may be the result of the fool's inconsiderate language, which may have fatal and lasting consequences; or it may refer to the visitation of his sins upon his children, in accordance with the denunciation of
Deuteronomy 5:9;
Deuteronomy 29:20-22; or it may include the life beyond the grave. The uncertainty of the future is a constant theme; see
Ecclesiastes 3:22;
Ecclesiastes 6:11, 12;
Ecclesiastes 7:14;
Ecclesiastes 8:17; and compare Christ's parable of the rich fool (
Luke 12:16-20), and St. James's warning in his Epistle (
James 4:13-16).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Yet the foolוְהַסָּכָ֖ל(wə·has·sā·ḵāl)Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5530:A foolmultipliesיַרְבֶּ֣ה(yar·beh)Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7235:To be or become much, many or greatwords.דְבָרִ֑ים(ḏə·ḇā·rîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1697:A word, a matter, thing, a causeNoלֹא־(lō-)Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, nooneהָאָדָם֙(hā·’ā·ḏām)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 120:Ruddy, a human beingknowsיֵדַ֤ע(yê·ḏa‘)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3045:To knowwhatמַה־(mah-)Interrogative
Strong's 4100:What?, what!, indefinitely whatis coming,שֶׁיִּֽהְיֶ֔ה(še·yih·yeh)Pronoun - relative | Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961:To fall out, come to pass, become, beand whoמִ֖י(mî)Interrogative
Strong's 4310:Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffixcan tellיַגִּ֥יד(yag·gîḏ)Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5046:To be conspicuoushimלֽוֹ׃(lōw)Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's Hebrewwhatוַאֲשֶׁ֤ר(wa·’ă·šer)Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834:Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order thatwill comeיִֽהְיֶה֙(yih·yeh)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961:To fall out, come to pass, become, beafter him?מֵֽאַחֲרָ֔יו(mê·’a·ḥă·rāw)Preposition-m | third person masculine singular
Strong's 310:The hind or following part
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OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 10:14 A fool also multiplies words (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) 
