Ecclesiastes 10:12-20

Ecclesiastes 10:12-20

[12] The words  of a wise man's  mouth  are gracious;  but the lips  of a fool  will swallow up  [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  to the city.  [16] Woe  to thee, O land,  when thy king  is a child,  and thy princes  eat  in the morning!  [17] Blessed  art thou, O land,  when thy king  is the son  of nobles,  and thy princes  eat  in due season,  for strength,  and not for drunkenness!  [18] By much slothfulness  the building  decayeth;  and through idleness  of the hands  the house  droppeth through.  [19] A feast  is made  for laughter,  and wine  maketh merry:  but money  answereth  [20] Curse  not the king,  no not in thy thought;  and curse  not the rich  in thy bedchamber:  for a bird  of the air  the voice,  and that which hath  wings  shall tell  the matter. 

What does Ecclesiastes 10:12-20 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

Since we do not know what our earthly future holds ( Ecclesiastes 10:12-15): even though governmental officials may prove reprehensible ( Ecclesiastes 10:16-19), it is not wise to criticize them ( Ecclesiastes 10:20).