Book of Ecclesiastes - Chapter 10 - Verse 12

The verse "The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself" emphasizes the importance of using wise and kind words. Here, "gracious" refers to words that are polite, respectful, and thoughtful, reflecting the wisdom of the speaker. In contrast, the foolish person's words are like a trap that leads to their downfall. The phrase "swallow up himself" suggests that the fool's own words will ultimately bring harm or destruction upon themselves. This verse serves as a reminder that our words have power and can either build others up or tear them down. It encourages us to speak with wisdom, kindness, and grace, knowing that the way we communicate can greatly impact our relationships and outcomes. By choosing our words carefully and thoughtfully, we can avoid the pitfalls of foolish and harmful speech, and instead, promote harmony, understanding, and goodwill in our interactions with others.

One theological interpretation of the verse "The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself" emphasizes the importance of wisdom in speech. In this context, the term "gracious" indicates that the wise person's words are pleasing, kind, and wise. The wise person uses their words to build up others and promote understanding and harmony. On the other hand, the term "swallow up" used in reference to the fool's lips suggests destruction or harm caused by their reckless speech. The fool's careless words not only harm others but also bring about negative consequences for themselves. This verse underscores the idea that the words we speak have the power to impact not only those around us but also our own lives.