Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version and fools multiply words. No one knows what is coming— who can tell someone else what will happen after them? New Living Translation they chatter on and on. No one really knows what is going to happen; no one can predict the future. English Standard Version A fool multiplies words, though no man knows what is to be, and who can tell him what will be after him? Berean Standard Bible Yet the fool multiplies words. No one knows what is coming, and who can tell him what will come after him? King James Bible A fool also is full of words: a man cannot tell what shall be; and what shall be after him, who can tell him? New King James Version A fool also multiplies words. No man knows what is to be; Who can tell him what will be after him? New American Standard Bible Yet the fool multiplies words. No person knows what will happen, and who can tell him what will come after him? NASB 1995 Yet the fool multiplies words. No man knows what will happen, and who can tell him what will come after him? NASB 1977 Yet the fool multiplies words. No man knows what will happen, and who can tell him what will come after him? Legacy Standard Bible Yet the simpleminded fool multiplies words. No man knows what will happen, and who can tell him what will come after him? Amplified Bible Yet the fool multiplies words, though no man knows what will happen, and who can tell him what will come after he is gone? Christian Standard Bible yet the fool multiplies words. No one knows what will happen, and who can tell anyone what will happen after him? Holman Christian Standard Bible Yet the fool multiplies words. No one knows what will happen, and who can tell anyone what will happen after him? American Standard Version A fool also multiplieth words: yet man knoweth not what shall be; and that which shall be after him, who can tell him? Contemporary English Version They never tire of talking, but none of us really know what the future will bring. English Revised Version A fool also multiplieth words: yet man knoweth not what shall be; and that which shall be after him, who can tell him? GOD'S WORD® Translation He never stops talking. No one knows what the future will bring, or what will happen after [death]. Who can say! Good News Translation 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. International Standard Version The fool overflows with words, and no one can predict what will happen. As to what will happen after him, who can explain it? Majority Standard Bible Yet the fool multiplies words. No one knows what is coming, and who can tell him what will come after him? NET Bible yet a fool keeps on babbling. No one knows what will happen; who can tell him what will happen in the future? New Heart English Bible A fool also multiplies words. Man doesn't know what will be; and that which will be after him, who can tell him? Webster's Bible Translation A fool also is full of words: a man cannot tell what shall be; and what shall be after him, who can tell him? World English Bible A fool also multiplies words. Man doesn’t know what will be; and that which will be after him, who can tell him? Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd the fool multiplies words: “Man does not know that which is—And that which is after him, who declares to him?” Young's Literal Translation And the fool multiplieth words: 'Man knoweth not that which is, And that which is after him, who doth declare to him?' Smith's Literal Translation 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? Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleA fool multiplieth words. A man cannot tell what hath been before him: and what shall be after him, who can tell him? Catholic Public Domain Version 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? New American Bible yet fools multiply words. No one knows what is to come, for who can tell anyone what will be? New Revised Standard Version yet fools talk on and on. No one knows what is to happen, and who can tell anyone what the future holds? Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleA fool multiplies words; a man cannot tell what has been; and what shall be after him, who can tell him? Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And a fool multiplies words; a son of man does not know what has been, and who shows him what will be after him? OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917A fool also multiplieth words; Yet man knoweth not what shall be; And that which shall be after him, Who can tell him? Brenton Septuagint Translation A fool moreover multiplies words: man knows not what has been, nor what will be: who shall tell him what will come after him? Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Wisdom and Folly…13The beginning of his talk is folly, and the end of his speech is evil madness. 14Yet the fool multiplies words. No one knows what is coming, and who can tell him what will come after him? 15The toil of a fool wearies him, for he does not know the way to the city.… Cross References Proverbs 15:2 The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool spouts folly. Proverbs 18:2 A fool does not delight in understanding, but only in airing his opinions. Proverbs 10:19 When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise. Proverbs 12:23 A shrewd man keeps his knowledge to himself, but a foolish heart proclaims its folly. Proverbs 29:11 A fool vents all his anger, but a wise man holds it back. James 3:5-6 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. Matthew 12:36-37 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.” Proverbs 13:3 He who guards his mouth protects his life, but the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin. Proverbs 17:27-28 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. James 1:19 My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, Proverbs 14:7 Stay away from a foolish man; you will gain no knowledge from his speech. Proverbs 26:12 Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him. 1 Corinthians 8:2 The one who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know. Proverbs 21:23 He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress. 1 Timothy 1:7 They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not understand what they are saying or that which they so confidently assert. Treasury of Scripture A fool also is full of words: a man cannot tell what shall be; and what shall be after him, who can tell him? fool Ecclesiastes 5:3 For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool's voice is known by multitude of words. Proverbs 10:19 In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise. Proverbs 15:2 The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness. is full of words Job 34:37 For he addeth rebellion unto his sin, he clappeth his hands among us, and multiplieth his words against God. Job 35:16 Therefore doth Job open his mouth in vain; he multiplieth words without knowledge. a man Ecclesiastes 3:22 Wherefore I perceive that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works; for that is his portion: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him? Ecclesiastes 6:12 For who knoweth what is good for man in this 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? Ecclesiastes 8:7 For he knoweth not that which shall be: for who can tell him when it shall be? Jump to Previous Able Declare Fool Foolish Full Multiplies Multiplieth WordsJump to Next Able Declare Fool Foolish Full Multiplies Multiplieth WordsEcclesiastes 10 1. observations of wisdom and folly7. death in life 9. and the day of judgment in the days of youth, are to be thought on Yet the fool multiplies words. In the wisdom literature of the Bible, a fool is often characterized by a lack of discernment and an abundance of speech. Proverbs 10:19 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 (Proverbs 17:27-28). 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 James 1:26, which advises believers to control their tongues. No one knows what is coming, and who can tell him what will come after him? Persons / Places / Events 1. The FoolIn 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. 2. Solomon 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. 3. Jerusalem The central place of worship and governance during Solomon's reign, often serving as the backdrop for his teachings and reflections. Teaching Points The Dangers of Excessive SpeechThe 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. The Uncertainty of the Future 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. The Value of Silence and Listening 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. Humility in Acknowledging Our Limitations 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. The Importance of Wise Counsel 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.(14) A man cannot tell.--This thought occurs repeatedly in this book. (See reff.) 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.Verse 14. - A fool also is full of words. The word for "fool" here is oaks/, which implies a dense, confused thinker. Alive the word was kesil, which denotes rather the self-confidence of the dull and stupid man. Moreover the fool multiplieth words. He not only speaks foolishly, but he says too much (cutup. Ecclesiastes 5:2). 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. A man cannot tell what shall be. 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, Τί τὸ γενόμενον καὶ τί τὸ ἐσόμενον, "What has been and what shall be;" the Vulgate, Quid ante se fuerit, "What has been before him." This reading was introduced probably to obviate a seeming tautology in the following clause, And what shall be after him, who can tell? 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 Deuteronomy 5:9; Deuteronomy 29:20-22; or it may include the life beyond the grave. The uncertainty of the future is a constant theme; see Ecclesiastes 3:22; Ecclesiastes 6:11, 12; Ecclesiastes 7:14; Ecclesiastes 8:17; and compare Christ's parable of the rich fool (Luke 12:16-20), and St. James's warning in his Epistle (James 4:13-16). Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Yet the foolוְהַסָּכָ֖ל (wə·has·sā·ḵāl) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5530: A fool multiplies יַרְבֶּ֣ה (yar·beh) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7235: To be or become much, many or great words. דְבָרִ֑ים (ḏə·ḇā·rîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause No לֹא־ (lō-) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no one הָאָדָם֙ (hā·’ā·ḏām) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 120: Ruddy, a human being knows יֵדַ֤ע (yê·ḏa‘) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3045: To know what מַה־ (mah-) Interrogative Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what is coming, שֶׁיִּֽהְיֶ֔ה (še·yih·yeh) Pronoun - relative | Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be and who מִ֖י (mî) Interrogative Strong's 4310: Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix can tell יַגִּ֥יד (yag·gîḏ) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5046: To be conspicuous him לֽוֹ׃ (lōw) Preposition | third person masculine singular Strong's Hebrew what וַאֲשֶׁ֤ר (wa·’ă·šer) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that will come יִֽהְיֶה֙ (yih·yeh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be after him? מֵֽאַחֲרָ֔יו (mê·’a·ḥă·rāw) Preposition-m | third person masculine singular Strong's 310: The hind or following part Links Ecclesiastes 10:14 NIVEcclesiastes 10:14 NLT Ecclesiastes 10:14 ESV Ecclesiastes 10:14 NASB Ecclesiastes 10:14 KJV Ecclesiastes 10:14 BibleApps.com Ecclesiastes 10:14 Biblia Paralela Ecclesiastes 10:14 Chinese Bible Ecclesiastes 10:14 French Bible Ecclesiastes 10:14 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 10:14 A fool also multiplies words (Ecclesiast. 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