TRV
Translation
King James Version
A fool also is full of words: a man cannot tell what shall be; and what shall be after him, who can tell 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?
World English Bible Messianic
A fool also multiplies words. Man doesn’t know what will be; and that which will be after him, who can tell him?
Geneva Bible (1599)
For the foole multiplieth woordes, saying, Man knoweth not what shall be: and who can tell him what shall be after him?
Young's Literal Translation
And the fool multiplieth words: `Man knoweth not that which is, And that which is after him, who doth declare to him?'
See also
In the KJVVerse 17,508 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on Ecclesiastes 10 verses 12–15
12 ¶ The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself.
13 The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness: and the end of his talk is mischievous madness.
14 A fool also is full of words: a man cannot tell what shall be; and what shall be after him, who can tell him?
15 The labour of the foolish wearieth every one of them, because he knoweth not how to go to the city.
Solomon, having shown the benefit of wisdom, and of what great advantage it is to us in the management of our affairs, here shows the mischief of folly and how it exposes men, which perhaps comes in as a reflection upon those rulers who set folly in great dignity.
I. Fools talk a great deal to no purpose, and they show their folly as much by the multitude, impertinence, and mischievousness of their words, as by any thing; whereas the words of a wise man's mouth are gracious, are grace, manifest grace in his heart and minister grace to the hearers, are good, and such as become him, and do good to all about him, the lips of a fool not only expose him to reproach and make him ridiculous, but will swallow up himself and bring him to ruin, by provoking the government to take cognizance of his seditious talk and call him to an account for it. Adonijah foolishly spoke against his own life, Kg1 2:23. Many a man has been sunk by having his own tongue fall upon him, Psa 64:8. See what a fool's talk is. 1. It takes rise from his own weakness and wickedness: The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness, the foolishness bound up in his heart, that is the corrupt spring out of which all these polluted streams flow, the evil treasure out of which evil things are brought. As soon as he begins to speak you may perceive his folly; at the very first he talks idly, and passionately, and like himself. 2. It rises up to fury, and tends to the hurt and injury of others: The end of his talk, the end it comes to, is madness. He will presently talk himself into an indecent heat, and break out into the wild extravagancies of a distracted man. The end he aims at is mischief; as, at first, he appeared to have little government of himself, so, at last, it appears he has a great deal of malice to his neighbours; that root of bitterness bears gall and wormwood. Note, It is not strange if those that begin foolishly end madly; for an ungoverned tongue, the more liberty is allowed, grows the more violent. 3. It is all the same over and over (Ecc 10:14): A fool also is full of words, a passionate fool especially, that runs on endlessly and never knows when to leave off. He will have the last word, though it be but the same with that which was the first. What is wanting in the weight and strength of his words he endeavours in vain to make up in the number of them; and they must be repeated, because otherwise there is nothing in them to make them regarded. Note, Many who are empty of sense are full of words; and the least solid are the most noisy. The following words may be taken either, (1.) As checking him for his vainglorious boasting in the multitude of his words, what he will do and what he will have, not considering that which every body knows that a man cannot tell what shall be in his own time, while he lives (Pro 27:1), much less can one tell what shall be after him, when he is dead and gone. Would we duly consider our own ignorance of, and uncertainty about, future events, it would cut off a great many of the idle words we foolishly multiply. Or, (2.) As mocking him for his tautologies. He is full of words, for if he do but speak the most trite and common thing, a man cannot tell what shall be, because he loves to hear himself talk, he will say it again, what shall be after him who can tell him? like Battus in Ovid:
- Sub illis
Montibus (inquit) erant, et erant sub montibus illis -
Under those mountains were they,
They were under those mountains, I say -
whence vain repetitions are called Battologeō, Mat 6:7.
II. Fools toil a great deal to no purpose (Ecc 10:15); The labour of the foolish, to accomplish their designs, wearies every one of them. 1. They weary themselves in that labour which is very foolish and absurd. All their labour is for the world and the body, and the meat that perishes, and in this labour they spend their strength, and exhaust their spirits, and weary themselves for very vanity, Hab 2:13; Isa 55:2. They choose that service which is perfect drudgery rather than that which is perfect liberty. 2. That labour which is necessary, and would be profitable, and might be gone through with ease, wearies them, because they go about it awkwardly and foolishly, and so make their business a toil to them, which, if they applied themselves to it prudently, would be a pleasure to them. Many complain of the labours of religion as grievous, which they would have no reason to complain of if the exercises of Christian piety were always under the direction of Christian prudence. The foolish tire themselves in endless pursuits, and never bring any thing to pass, because they know not how to go to the city, that is, because they have not capacity to apprehend the plainest thing, such as the entrance into a great city is, where one would think it were impossible for a man to miss his road. Men's imprudent management of their business robs them both of the comfort and of the benefit of it. But it is the excellency of the way to the heavenly city that it is a high-way, in which the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err (Isa 35:8); yet sinful folly makes men miss that way.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 12–15. Public domain.
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JeromeAD 420
Commentary on Ecclesiastes
"His
talk begins as foolishness and ends as evil madness. The fool prates on and on, but man does not
know what will be; and who can tell him what will be after him? "So far the discussion has been about the fool, whose
lips teach the wise man, or according to another interpretation, his lips make
himself corrupt. The beginning and the
end of his speech are foolishness and evil madness; or as Symmachus has
translated it, confusion, or some kind of inconsistency of words. For while he doesn't keep to the one opinion,
he thinks he can escape sin in the many arguments he speaks at the same
time. But he does not remember all those
who have gone before him, and does not know what will happen after him, and so
is confused in ignorance and the darkness, promising himself false knowledge;
by this he thinks that he is wise, and that he is learned, if he uses lots of
words. This can be taken to refer to the
heretics, who do not heed the words of wise men, but continue to argue
different sides so they intertwine the beginning and end of their speech in
vanity, confusion, and madness; and though they know nothing, they speak more
than they know.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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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, 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. 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. 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
Verse Breakdown
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.
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
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.
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.
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). 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), but also spoke with authority about the end times and the consummation of God's kingdom (Matthew 24). 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). 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) and has revealed the ultimate triumph of God's plan.