King James Version
What Does Ecclesiastes 10:11 Mean?
“Surely the serpent will bite without enchantment; and a babbler is no better. a babbler: Heb. the master of the tongue”
Context
9
Whoso removeth stones shall be hurt therewith; and he that cleaveth wood shall be endangered thereby.
10
If the iron be blunt, and he do not whet the edge, then must he put to more strength: but wisdom is profitable to direct.
11
Surely the serpent will bite without enchantment; and a babbler is no better. a babbler: Heb. the master of the tongue
12
The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself. gracious: Heb. grace
13
The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness: and the end of his talk is mischievous madness. his talk: Heb. his mouth
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(11) This also is a difficult verse. Literally translated it is, *If the serpent bite for lack of enchantment, there is no advantage to the master of the tongue. *It seems best to follow the LXX. and other interpreters, and take the “master of the tongue” to mean the snake charmer, who possesses the “voice of the charmer” (Psalm 58:5). The whisperings of the snake charmer, so often described by Eastern travellers, are referred to also in Jeremiah 8:17, and in a passage, probably founded on the present text (Ecclesiasticus 12:13), “Who will pity a charmer that is bitten with a serpent?” The mention of the serpent in Ecclesiastes 10:8 seems to have suggested another illustration of the advantage of wisdom in the different effects of snake-charming, as used by the expert or the unskilful. The phrase, “master of the tongue,” seems to have been chosen in order to lead on to the following verses, which speak of the different use of the tongue by the wise man and the fool.
**Enchantment.**—According to the primary meaning “whispering” (2Samuel 12:19; Isaiah 26:16).
**No better.—**No advantage to. (See Note on Ecclesiastes 1:3.)
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Ecclesiastes. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Ecclesiastes 10:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Ecclesiastes 10:11
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge