Ecclesiastes 10:15

"A fool also multiplies words. Man doesn’t know what will be; and that which will be after him, who can tell him?"

Key Reflection

In first-century Israel, this proverb highlights the foolishness of excessive speech, a common vice among both uneducated and learned individuals. The original audience would have recognized that in their society, words were often seen as a sign of wisdom and status. However, Ecclesiastes suggests that mere talk without understanding or purpose is meaningless. It challenges listeners to reflect on the transient nature of life, pointing out that no one can truly know what will happen after them—emphasizing the fleeting and unpredictable aspect of human existence.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

The sense is: “The fool wearies himself with ineffectual attempts, he has not sufficient knowledge for the transaction of ordinary business.”

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