Ecclesiastes 10:14

KJV

A fool also is full of words: a man cannot tell what shall be; and what shall be after him, who can tell him?

KJV (with Strong's)

A fool {H5530} also is full {H7235} of words {H1697}: a man {H120} cannot tell {H3045} what shall be; and what shall be after {H310} him, who can tell {H5046} him?

Complete Jewish Bible

A fool keeps talking and talking, yet no one knows what the future will bring -can anyone tell a person what will happen after he's gone?

Berean Standard Bible

Yet the fool multiplies words. No one knows what is coming, and who can tell him what will come after him?

American Standard Version

A fool also multiplieth words: yet man knoweth not what shall be; and that which shall be after him, who can tell him?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ecclesiastes 10:14 offers a poignant observation on the nature of folly and the inherent limitations of human knowledge. It first characterizes the fool by their excessive and often meaningless speech, contrasting with the thoughtful discourse of the wise. Following this, the verse pivots to a universal truth: humanity's profound inability to predict future events, both in their lifetime and beyond, thereby underscoring the uncertainty of life "under the sun" and the futility of relying solely on human foresight.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ecclesiastes 10 is part of Qoheleth's broader discourse contrasting wisdom and folly, particularly in the practicalities of daily life and governance. This chapter, following reflections on the unpredictable nature of life and the value of diligent work in [Ecclesiastes 9](/ecclesiastes/9 "Ecclesiastes 9 - Wisdom, Folly, and the Unpredictability of Life"), shifts to more specific observations about the characteristics and consequences of wise and foolish behavior. Verses immediately preceding Ecclesiastes 10:14 discuss the dangers of small follies and the importance of skill and diligence, setting the stage for a direct commentary on the fool's inherent nature. The verse itself acts as a summary statement about the fool's communicative habits and their fundamental ignorance regarding what lies ahead, a theme deeply embedded in the book's overall message about the limits of human understanding.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** As part of ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature, Ecclesiastes reflects a cultural milieu where the spoken word held immense power and significance. Speech was not merely communication but an act with tangible consequences, capable of building up or tearing down. The "fool" (Hebrew: *kesil* or *çâkâl*) in this context is not merely unintelligent but morally and spiritually obtuse, resistant to instruction and prone to self-destructive behavior, often manifested through their words. The emphasis on the inability to know the future resonates with a world where life was largely unpredictable, subject to natural forces, political upheavals, and divine decree, fostering a pervasive sense of human vulnerability and dependence on higher powers. This cultural reality amplified the frustration of trying to control or foresee one's destiny, a central tension Qoheleth explores.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Ecclesiastes. Firstly, it elaborates on **The Nature of Folly**, portraying the fool as one whose speech is not only abundant but also empty, lacking substance or wisdom, often leading to their own detriment. This contrasts sharply with the measured, thoughtful speech (or even silence) characteristic of the wise, as seen in [Proverbs 17:28](/proverbs/17-28 "Proverbs 17:28 - The Wisdom of Silence"). Secondly, the verse powerfully highlights **Human Limitation and Ignorance**, particularly concerning the future. This theme is central to Qoheleth's "under the sun" perspective, where human endeavors and knowledge are ultimately constrained. The inability to predict "what shall be" or "what shall be after him" underscores the pervasive uncertainty of life and the futility of human attempts to control destiny, echoing sentiments found throughout [Ecclesiastes](/ecclesiastes "The Book of Ecclesiastes - Vanity and Wisdom"). Implicitly, this human limitation points to **Divine Sovereignty**, suggesting that only God truly knows and orchestrates the future, a truth that should humble humanity and encourage reliance on Him rather than self-sufficiency.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **fool (Hebrew, _çâkâl'_):** Derived from H5530, this term describes someone who is silly, foolish, or sottish. In biblical wisdom literature, a "fool" is not merely lacking in intelligence but is morally and spiritually deficient, resistant to instruction, and prone to actions that lead to their own harm. Their folly is often characterized by a rejection of wisdom and a preference for their own misguided ways.
* **full (Hebrew, _râbâh'_):** From H7235, this word means to increase, multiply, or be abundant. When used with "words," it conveys the idea of an excessive quantity of speech, often implying a lack of discernment or substance. The fool is not just speaking, but overflowing with words, suggesting an uncontrolled and perhaps meaningless verbal output.
* **words (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From H1697, this term broadly refers to a word, a matter, or a thing. In this context, it signifies utterances or speech. The combination with "full" emphasizes the sheer volume of the fool's communication, which, unlike the wise, does not contribute to understanding or edification but rather reveals their inner emptiness.
* **tell (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_ / _nâgad'_):** The first instance of "tell" comes from H3045 (*yâdaʻ*), meaning to know, ascertain, or discern. It speaks to the human inability to genuinely comprehend or foresee future events. The second instance, "who can tell him?" comes from H5046 (*nâgad*), meaning to announce, declare, or predict. This reinforces the idea that no one can proclaim or reveal what will happen in the future, highlighting the absolute barrier to human foresight.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"A fool also is full of words:"** This clause identifies a primary characteristic of the fool: an abundance of speech. Unlike the wise person who speaks thoughtfully and sparingly, the fool is verbose, often speaking without substance, wisdom, or careful consideration. Their words may be boastful, impulsive, or simply empty, revealing their lack of discernment and often leading to trouble.
* **"a man cannot tell what shall be;"** This shifts the focus from the fool's specific trait to a universal human limitation. "A man" (referring to any human being) is inherently incapable of knowing or predicting future events. This emphasizes the profound uncertainty of life and the futility of human attempts to control or foresee what tomorrow holds, reinforcing a core theme of Ecclesiastes.
* **"and what shall be after him, who can tell him?"** This final clause extends the human inability to know the future beyond one's own lifetime. Not only can a person not predict their immediate future, but they also have no knowledge of what will transpire after their death. The rhetorical question "who can tell him?" powerfully underscores the absolute nature of this human ignorance, highlighting the ultimate limits of human foresight and control.

#### Literary Devices
Ecclesiastes 10:14 employs several literary devices to convey its message. **Contrast** is central, implicitly juxtaposing the fool's excessive and empty speech with the wise person's measured words, and explicitly contrasting human ignorance with the implied divine knowledge of the future. The phrase "full of words" can be seen as a form of **hyperbole**, emphasizing the overwhelming quantity of the fool's talk, often to the point of meaninglessness. The final clause, "who can tell him?", functions as a powerful **rhetorical question**. It is not meant to elicit an answer, but to underscore the absolute impossibility of human beings knowing the future, thereby reinforcing the theme of human limitation and the vanity of attempting to control the uncontrollable. This question serves to drive home Qoheleth's point about the inherent uncertainty of life "under the sun."

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse deeply resonates with the broader biblical emphasis on the nature of wisdom and folly, and the sovereignty of God over time. The fool's loquacity is a common motif in wisdom literature, signifying a lack of discernment and self-control, often leading to shame and ruin. Their words are not merely abundant but are often empty, boastful, or destructive, revealing a heart that does not seek understanding or fear the Lord. Conversely, the inability of humanity to know the future is a profound theological statement. It serves as a stark reminder that control over destiny and knowledge of tomorrow belong solely to God. This truth cultivates humility, discouraging arrogance in planning and encouraging a posture of dependence and trust in divine providence. It reminds us that while we may plan our way, it is the Lord who establishes our steps.

* [Proverbs 17:28](/proverbs/17-28 "The Wisdom of Silence") - "Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding."
* [James 4:14](/james/4-14 "Uncertainty of Tomorrow") - "Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away."
* [Isaiah 46:10](/isaiah/46-10 "God Declares the End from the Beginning") - "Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ecclesiastes 10:14 offers timeless wisdom for navigating life in a world often characterized by uncertainty and superficiality. The call to be mindful of our words is profound; in an age of instant communication, the temptation to be "full of words" without substance or careful thought is ever-present. We are challenged to cultivate speech that is measured, edifying, and truthful, reflecting a heart that is wise and discerning, rather than impulsive or boastful. Furthermore, the verse compels us to embrace humility regarding our plans and assumptions about the future. Recognizing our inherent inability to predict "what shall be" liberates us from the anxiety of trying to control every outcome. Instead, it invites us to live with open hands, trusting in the sovereign wisdom of God, who alone holds the future. This posture fosters a deeper faith, allowing us to live purposefully in the present while resting in the assurance that our times are in His hands.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might my own speech sometimes reflect the "fullness of words" characteristic of a fool?**
* **How does acknowledging my inability to know the future impact my daily anxieties and long-term planning?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate more thoughtful, edifying speech and greater trust in God's providence?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "full of words" for a fool?**

Answer: The phrase "full of words" highlights a key characteristic of the fool: their tendency towards excessive, often empty, or harmful speech. Unlike the wise, who speak with discernment and purpose, the fool speaks impulsively, without careful thought, or to boast. This abundance of talk often reveals a lack of true understanding or wisdom, leading to trouble for themselves and others. It contrasts with the biblical emphasis on measured speech and even silence as signs of wisdom, as seen in [Proverbs 17:28](/proverbs/17-28 "Proverbs 17:28 - The Wisdom of Silence").

**Why does Qoheleth emphasize human inability to know the future?**

Answer: Qoheleth, the Preacher, repeatedly emphasizes humanity's inability to know or control the future to underscore the pervasive theme of "vanity" (*hebel*) or futility of life "under the sun" when lived apart from God. This limitation serves to humble humanity, reminding us that our plans are subject to forces beyond our control and that ultimate knowledge and sovereignty belong to God alone. It encourages a posture of humility, dependence on divine providence, and living faithfully in the present moment, rather than being consumed by anxious attempts to predict or manipulate what is to come, a theme echoed in [James 4:14](/james/4-14 "James 4:14 - Uncertainty of Life").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ecclesiastes 10:14, with its stark portrayal of the fool's empty words and humanity's ignorance of the future, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. Unlike the fool "full of words," Jesus is the very embodiment of divine wisdom, whose words were not empty but "Spirit and life" ([John 6:63](/john/6-63 "John 6:63 - Words of Life")). His teachings were authoritative, purposeful, and life-giving, demonstrating a perfect blend of truth and grace, a stark contrast to the verbose and meaningless utterances of folly. Furthermore, while humanity cannot "tell what shall be," Jesus, as the Son of God, possesses perfect knowledge of the future. He not only foretold His own suffering, death, and resurrection ([Matthew 16:21](/matthew/16-21 "Matthew 16:21 - Jesus Foretells His Death")), but also spoke with authority about the end times and the consummation of God's kingdom ([Matthew 24](/matthew/24 "Matthew 24 - Jesus' Olivet Discourse")). In Christ, the uncertainty that plagues humanity "under the sun" is resolved, for He is the Alpha and the Omega, the one who declares the end from the beginning ([Revelation 1:8](/revelation/1-8 "Revelation 1:8 - Alpha and Omega")). Through His redemptive work, believers are invited to live not in anxious ignorance of the future, but in confident trust in the One who holds all things together ([Colossians 1:17](/colossians/1-17 "Colossians 1:17 - Christ Holds All Things Together")) and has revealed the ultimate triumph of God's plan.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 15:2

¶ The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.

James 4:13

Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain:

James 4:14

Whereas ye know not what [shall be] on the morrow. For what [is] your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

Ecclesiastes 8:7

For he knoweth not that which shall be: for who can tell him when it shall be?

Ecclesiastes 3:22

Wherefore I perceive that [there is] nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works; for that [is] his portion: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him?

Ecclesiastes 6:12

For who knoweth what [is] good for man in [this] life, all the days of his vain life which he spendeth as a shadow? for who can tell a man what shall be after him under the sun?

Ecclesiastes 5:3

For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool's voice [is known] by multitude of words.