Ecclesiastes 10:12

Authorized King James Version

The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
דִּבְרֵ֥י
The words
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#2
פִי
mouth
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
#3
חָכָ֖ם
of a wise man's
wise, (i.e., intelligent, skilful or artful)
#4
חֵ֑ן
are gracious
graciousness, i.e., subjective (kindness, favor) or objective (beauty)
#5
וְשִׂפְת֥וֹת
but the lips
the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)
#6
כְּסִ֖יל
of a fool
properly, fat, i.e., (figuratively) stupid or silly
#7
תְּבַלְּעֶֽנּוּ׃
will swallow up
to make away with (specifically by swallowing); generally, to destroy

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Ecclesiastes Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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