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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Ecclesiastes 10:14 Yet the fool multiplies words. No one knows what is coming, and who can tell him what will come after him?</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ecclesiastes/10-14.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/21_Ecc_10_14.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ecclesiastes 10:14 - Wisdom and Folly" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Yet the fool multiplies words. 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No one knows what is coming— who can tell someone else what will happen after them?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/10.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />they chatter on and on. No one really knows what is going to happen; no one can predict the future.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/10.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />A fool multiplies words, though no man knows what is to be, and who can tell him what will be after him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Yet the fool multiplies words. No one knows what is coming, and who can tell him what will come after him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/10.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />A fool also is full of words: a man cannot tell what shall be; and what shall be after him, who can tell him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/ecclesiastes/10.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />A fool also multiplies words. No man knows what is to be; Who can tell him what will be after him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/ecclesiastes/10.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Yet the fool multiplies words. No person knows what will happen, and who can tell him what will come after him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/10.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Yet the fool multiplies words. No man knows what will happen, and who can tell him what will come after him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/ecclesiastes/10.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Yet the fool multiplies words. No man knows what will happen, and who can tell him what will come after him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Yet the simpleminded fool multiplies words. No man knows what will happen, and who can tell him what will come after him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Yet the fool multiplies words, though no man knows what will happen, and who can tell him what will come after he is gone?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />yet the fool multiplies words. No one knows what will happen, and who can tell anyone what will happen after him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Yet the fool multiplies words. No one knows what will happen, and who can tell anyone what will happen after him? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/ecclesiastes/10.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />A fool also multiplieth words: yet man knoweth not what shall be; and that which shall be after him, who can tell him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />They never tire of talking, but none of us really know what the future will bring. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/ecclesiastes/10.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />A fool also multiplieth words: yet man knoweth not what shall be; and that which shall be after him, who can tell him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/ecclesiastes/10.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />He never stops talking. No one knows what the future will bring, or what will happen after [death]. Who can say!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />A fool talks on and on. No one knows what is going to happen next, and no one can tell us what will happen after we die. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/ecclesiastes/10.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The fool overflows with words, and no one can predict what will happen. As to what will happen after him, who can explain it?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/ecclesiastes/10.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />yet a fool keeps on babbling. No one knows what will happen; who can tell him what will happen in the future? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/ecclesiastes/10.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />A fool also multiplies words. Man doesn't know what will be; and that which will be after him, who can tell him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />A fool also is full of words: a man cannot tell what shall be; and what shall be after him, who can tell him?<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Yet the fool multiplies words. No one knows what is coming, and who can tell him what will come after him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/ecclesiastes/10.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />A fool also multiplies words. Man doesn’t know what will be; and that which will be after him, who can tell him? <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And the fool multiplies words: “Man does not know that which is—And that which is after him, who declares to him?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And the fool multiplieth words: 'Man knoweth not that which is, And that which is after him, who doth declare to him?'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And the foolish one will multiply words: man shall not know what shall be; and what shall be after him, who shall announce to him?<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />A fool multiplieth words. A man cannot tell what hath been before him: and what shall be after him, who can tell him? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />The fool multiplies his words. A man does not know what has been before him, and who is able to reveal to him what will be in the future after him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/ecclesiastes/10.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />yet fools multiply words. No one knows what is to come, for who can tell anyone what will be? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/ecclesiastes/10.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />yet fools talk on and on. No one knows what is to happen, and who can tell anyone what the future holds?<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />A fool multiplies words; a man cannot tell what has been; and what shall be after him, who can tell him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And a fool multiplies words; a son of man does not know what has been, and who shows him what will be after him?<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/ecclesiastes/10.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />A fool also multiplieth words; Yet man knoweth not what shall be; And that which shall be after him, Who can tell him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />A fool moreover multiplies words: man knows not what has been, nor what will be: who shall tell him what will come after him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/ecclesiastes/10-14.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8-2fxj-VcEg?start=1941" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Wisdom and Folly</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">13</span>The beginning of his talk is folly, and the end of his speech is evil madness. <span class="reftext">14</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/5530.htm" title="5530: wə·has·sā·ḵāl (Conj-w, Art:: N-ms) -- A fool. From cakal; silly.">Yet the fool</a> <a href="/hebrew/7235.htm" title="7235: yar·beh (V-Hifil-Imperf-3ms) -- To be or become much, many or great. A primitive root; to increase.">multiplies</a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: ḏə·ḇā·rîm (N-mp) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">words.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō- (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">No</a> <a href="/hebrew/120.htm" title="120: hā·’ā·ḏām (Art:: N-ms) -- Man, mankind. From 'adam; ruddy i.e. A human being.">one</a> <a href="/hebrew/3045.htm" title="3045: yê·ḏa‘ (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to know; used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially.">knows</a> <a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: mah- (Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">what</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: še·yih·yeh (Pro-r:: V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">is coming,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4310.htm" title="4310: mî (Interrog) -- An interrogative pronoun of persons, as mah is of things, who?; also whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix.">and who</a> <a href="/hebrew/5046.htm" title="5046: yag·gîḏ (V-Hifil-Imperf-3ms) -- To be conspicuous. ">can tell</a> <a href="/hebrew/lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- ">him</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: wa·’ă·šer (Conj-w:: Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">what</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: yih·yeh (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">will come</a> <a href="/hebrew/310.htm" title="310: mê·’a·ḥă·rāw (Prep-m:: 3ms) -- The hind or following part. From 'achar; properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after.">after him?</a> </span><span class="reftext">15</span>The toil of a fool wearies him, for he does not know the way to the city.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/15-2.htm">Proverbs 15:2</a></span><br />The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool spouts folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/18-2.htm">Proverbs 18:2</a></span><br />A fool does not delight in understanding, but only in airing his opinions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/10-19.htm">Proverbs 10:19</a></span><br />When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/12-23.htm">Proverbs 12:23</a></span><br />A shrewd man keeps his knowledge to himself, but a foolish heart proclaims its folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/29-11.htm">Proverbs 29:11</a></span><br />A fool vents all his anger, but a wise man holds it back.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/3-5.htm">James 3:5-6</a></span><br />In the same way, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it boasts of great things. Consider how small a spark sets a great forest ablaze. / The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/12-36.htm">Matthew 12:36-37</a></span><br />But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. / For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/13-3.htm">Proverbs 13:3</a></span><br />He who guards his mouth protects his life, but the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/17-27.htm">Proverbs 17:27-28</a></span><br />A man of knowledge restrains his words, and a man of understanding maintains a calm spirit. / Even a fool is considered wise if he keeps silent, and discerning when he holds his tongue.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-19.htm">James 1:19</a></span><br />My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/14-7.htm">Proverbs 14:7</a></span><br />Stay away from a foolish man; you will gain no knowledge from his speech.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/26-12.htm">Proverbs 26:12</a></span><br />Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/8-2.htm">1 Corinthians 8:2</a></span><br />The one who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/21-23.htm">Proverbs 21:23</a></span><br />He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/1-7.htm">1 Timothy 1:7</a></span><br />They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not understand what they are saying or that which they so confidently assert.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">A fool also is full of words: a man cannot tell what shall be; and what shall be after him, who can tell him?</p><p class="hdg">fool</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/5-3.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:3</a></b></br> For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool's voice <i>is known</i> by multitude of words.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/10-19.htm">Proverbs 10:19</a></b></br> In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips <i>is</i> wise.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/15-2.htm">Proverbs 15:2</a></b></br> The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.</p><p class="hdg">is full of words</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/34-37.htm">Job 34:37</a></b></br> For he addeth rebellion unto his sin, he clappeth <i>his hands</i> among us, and multiplieth his words against God.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/35-16.htm">Job 35:16</a></b></br> Therefore doth Job open his mouth in vain; he multiplieth words without knowledge.</p><p class="hdg">a man</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/3-22.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:22</a></b></br> Wherefore I perceive that <i>there is</i> nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works; for that <i>is</i> his portion: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/6-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 6:12</a></b></br> For who knoweth what <i>is</i> good for man in <i>this</i> 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?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/8-7.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:7</a></b></br> For he knoweth not that which shall be: for who can tell him when it shall be?</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/8-17.htm">Able</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-1.htm">Declare</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-12.htm">Fool</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-13.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-3.htm">Full</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-6.htm">Multiplies</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-16.htm">Multiplieth</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-13.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/songs/8-7.htm">Able</a> <a href="/songs/1-7.htm">Declare</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-15.htm">Fool</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-15.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/11-3.htm">Full</a> <a href="/hosea/12-1.htm">Multiplies</a> <a href="/isaiah/55-7.htm">Multiplieth</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-20.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Ecclesiastes 10</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-1.htm">observations of wisdom and folly</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-7.htm">death in life</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-9.htm">and the day of judgment in the days of youth, are to be thought on</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ecclesiastes/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/ecclesiastes/10.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Yet the fool multiplies words.</b><br>In the wisdom literature of the Bible, a fool is often characterized by a lack of discernment and an abundance of speech. <a href="/proverbs/10-19.htm">Proverbs 10:19</a> 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 (<a href="/proverbs/17-27.htm">Proverbs 17:27-28</a>). 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 <a href="/james/1-26.htm">James 1:26</a>, which advises believers to control their tongues.<p><b>No one knows what is coming,</b><br>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 in <a href="/james/4-14.htm">James 4:14</a>, 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 (<a href="/isaiah/46-10.htm">Isaiah 46:10</a>). This perspective encourages reliance on God's wisdom rather than human understanding.<p><b>and who can tell him what will come after him?</b><br>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 in <a href="/daniel/2-22.htm">Daniel 2:22</a>, 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 in <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-18.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:18-19</a>. 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 in <a href="/hebrews/11.htm">Hebrews 11:1</a>, which defines faith as confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_fool.htm">The Fool</a></b><br>In 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.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally 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.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a></b><br>The central place of worship and governance during Solomon's reign, often serving as the backdrop for his teachings and reflections.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_dangers_of_excessive_speech.htm">The Dangers of Excessive Speech</a></b><br>The 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.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_uncertainty_of_the_future.htm">The Uncertainty of the Future</a></b><br>The 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.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_silence_and_listening.htm">The Value of Silence and Listening</a></b><br>In 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.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/humility_in_acknowledging_our_limitations.htm">Humility in Acknowledging Our Limitations</a></b><br>Recognizing 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.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_wise_counsel.htm">The Importance of Wise Counsel</a></b><br>Surrounding 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.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ecclesiastes_10.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ecclesiastes 10</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_stance_on_overthinking.htm">What defines spiritual sickness?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_ecclesiastes_10_14_conflict_with_lengthy_scripture.htm">Does Ecclesiastes 10:14's critique of verbose fools conflict with the lengthy discourses found elsewhere in Scripture?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/peace_or_division__jesus'_intent.htm">Did Jesus come to bring peace or division? (Luke 2:14 vs. Matthew 10:34)</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_'cast_bread'_yield_results.htm">In Ecclesiastes 11:1, how is 'casting bread upon the waters' supposed to yield a result when bread would dissolve or sink?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(14) <span class= "bld">A man cannot tell.</span>--This thought occurs repeatedly in this book. (See <span class= "ital">reff.</span>) 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.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 14.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">A fool also is full of words.</span> The word for "fool" here is oaks/, which implies a dense, confused thinker. Alive the word was <span class="accented">kesil</span>, which denotes rather the self-confidence of the dull and stupid <span class="accented">man</span>. <span class="accented">Moreover the fool multiplieth words</span>. He not only speaks foolishly, but he says too much (cutup. <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-2.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:2</a>). 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. <span class="cmt_word">A man cannot tell what shall be</span>. 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, <span class="greek">Τί τὸ γενόμενον καὶ τί τὸ ἐσόμενον</span>, "What has been and what shall be;" the Vulgate, <span class="accented">Quid ante se fuerit</span>, "What has been before him." This reading was introduced probably to obviate a seeming tautology in the following clause, <span class="cmt_word">And what shall be after him, who can tell?</span> 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 <a href="/deuteronomy/5-9.htm">Deuteronomy 5:9</a>; <a href="/deuteronomy/29-20.htm">Deuteronomy 29:20-22</a>; or it may include the life beyond the grave. The uncertainty of the future is a constant theme; see <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-22.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:22</a>; <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-11.htm">Ecclesiastes 6:11, 12</a>; <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:14</a>; <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-17.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:17</a>; and compare Christ's parable of the rich fool (<a href="/luke/12-16.htm">Luke 12:16-20</a>), and St. James's warning in his Epistle (<a href="/james/4-13.htm">James 4:13-16</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/ecclesiastes/10-14.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Yet the fool</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהַסָּכָ֖ל</span> <span class="translit">(wə·has·sā·ḵāl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5530.htm">Strong's 5530: </a> </span><span class="str2">A fool</span><br /><br /><span class="word">multiplies</span><br /><span class="heb">יַרְבֶּ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(yar·beh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7235.htm">Strong's 7235: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be or become much, many or great</span><br /><br /><span class="word">words.</span><br /><span class="heb">דְבָרִ֑ים</span> <span class="translit">(ḏə·ḇā·rîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1697.htm">Strong's 1697: </a> </span><span class="str2">A word, a matter, thing, a cause</span><br /><br /><span class="word">No</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹא־</span> <span class="translit">(lō-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">one</span><br /><span class="heb">הָאָדָם֙</span> <span class="translit">(hā·’ā·ḏām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_120.htm">Strong's 120: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ruddy, a human being</span><br /><br /><span class="word">knows</span><br /><span class="heb">יֵדַ֤ע</span> <span class="translit">(yê·ḏa‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3045.htm">Strong's 3045: </a> </span><span class="str2">To know</span><br /><br /><span class="word">what</span><br /><span class="heb">מַה־</span> <span class="translit">(mah-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> </span><span class="str2">What?, what!, indefinitely what</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is coming,</span><br /><span class="heb">שֶׁיִּֽהְיֶ֔ה</span> <span class="translit">(še·yih·yeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - relative | Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall out, come to pass, become, be</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and who</span><br /><span class="heb">מִ֖י</span> <span class="translit">(mî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4310.htm">Strong's 4310: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix</span><br /><br /><span class="word">can tell</span><br /><span class="heb">יַגִּ֥יד</span> <span class="translit">(yag·gîḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5046.htm">Strong's 5046: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be conspicuous</span><br /><br /><span class="word">him</span><br /><span class="heb">לֽוֹ׃</span> <span class="translit">(lōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> </span><span class="str2"></span><br /><br /><span class="word">what</span><br /><span class="heb">וַאֲשֶׁ֤ר</span> <span class="translit">(wa·’ă·šer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - relative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">will come</span><br /><span class="heb">יִֽהְיֶה֙</span> <span class="translit">(yih·yeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall out, come to pass, become, be</span><br /><br /><span class="word">after him?</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵֽאַחֲרָ֔יו</span> <span class="translit">(mê·’a·ḥă·rāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_310.htm">Strong's 310: </a> </span><span class="str2">The hind or following part</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/10-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:14 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/10-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:14 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/10-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:14 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/10-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:14 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/10-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:14 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/ecclesiastes/10-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:14 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ecclesiastes/10-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:14 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/ecclesiastes/10-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:14 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/ecclesiastes/10-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:14 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/ecclesiastes/10-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:14 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-14.htm">OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 10:14 A fool also multiplies words (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-13.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 10:13"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 10:13" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-15.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 10:15"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 10:15" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>