Ecclesiastes 10:12 net — Words and Works of Wise Men and Fools The words of a wise person win him favor, but the words of a fool are self-destru…

NET Bible

"Words and Works of Wise Men and Fools The words of a wise person win him favor, but the words of a fool are self-destructive."

— Ecclesiastes 10:12, NET Bible

Read in Another Translation

5 of 21 translations

Ecclesiastes 10:12 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

Ecclesiastes 10 — Context

9

One who quarries stones may be injured by them; one who splits logs may be endangered by them.

10

If an iron axhead is blunt and a workman does not sharpen its edge, he must exert a great deal of effort; so wisdom has the advantage of giving success.

11

If the snake should bite before it is charmed, the snake charmer is in trouble.

12

Words and Works of Wise Men and Fools The words of a wise person win him favor, but the words of a fool are self-destructive.

13

At the beginning his words are foolish and at the end his talk is wicked madness,

14

yet a fool keeps on babbling. No one knows what will happen; who can tell him what will happen in the future?

15

The toil of a stupid fool wears him out, because he does not even know the way to the city.

Ecclesiastes 10:12 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Ecclesiastes 10:12 say?
Ecclesiastes 10:12 in the NET Bible reads: “Words and Works of Wise Men and Fools The words of a wise person win him favor, but the words of a fool are self-destructive.”
Where is Ecclesiastes 10:12 in the Bible?
Ecclesiastes 10:12 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Ecclesiastes, chapter 10, verse 12.
Who wrote Ecclesiastes?
Ecclesiastes is traditionally attributed to Solomon (traditional; identified as "the Preacher, son of David"). It was written c. 940 BC.
What is the book of Ecclesiastes about?
Ecclesiastes is a candid meditation on life "under the sun" — its pleasures, its pains, and its apparent vanity. The Preacher tries wisdom, wealth, work, and pleasure, finds them all empty without God, and concludes that fearing God and keeping his commandments is the whole of man.
What are the major themes of Ecclesiastes?
Ecclesiastes explores themes including Vanity, Time, Meaning, Fear of God, Mortality. These themes shape the meaning and context of Ecclesiastes 10:12.
What translation should I read Ecclesiastes 10:12 in?
Ecclesiastes 10:12 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Ecclesiastes 10:12?
Ecclesiastes 10:12 reads (NET): “Words and Works of Wise Men and Fools The words of a wise person win him favor, but the words of a fool are self-destructive.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
GodsGoodBook logo

GodsGoodBook

Making God's Word accessible to everyone

Experience the Bible like never before with multiple translations, powerful search tools, and features to make God's Word personal to you. Completely free, forever.

Features

15+ Bible Translations
Powerful Search Tools
Highlight & Annotate
Share Verses
100% Free Forever
© 2025 GodsGoodBookVersion 1.8.2