Ecclesiastes 10:1-12

 Gracious Words

A serpent may bite when it is not charmed; The babbler is no different. The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool shall swallow him up; ~ Ecclesiastes 10:11-12

I don’t know exactly when it happened, but somewhere early in my life, I was deeply hurt by someone who repeated something I had shared in confidence. After that moment, I became extremely cautious about expressing my thoughts or emotions. I wore the mask of discretion and wisdom, but beneath it all was a heart that feared being hurt again. So I kept my feelings locked away and my voice silent in situations where I could have been helpful.

Over time, this habit had a dual effect. On one hand, it shaped me into someone who refuses to gossip or break confidence. I’ve understand the value of keeping trust sacred. But on the other hand, it also kept me from living fully open and free, especially with those I love and trust. I realized I wasn’t just protecting myself, I was limiting the power of my own words to bring life, healing, and connection.

Today’s scripture reading paints a vivid contrast between the words of the wise and the words of the foolish. The wise person’s words are gracious, seasoned with kindness, intentionality, and peace. But the fool’s words? They lead to destruction, careless, biting, and unbridled like a venomous snake. The truth is that the foolish talk themselves into trouble, but the wise speak in a way that builds up rather than tears down.

This is a powerful reminder that our words are never neutral, they either inspire to give life or they oppress to diminish life.

Below are some things you can do to begin speaking gracious and wise words of life:

1. Pause Before You Speak
   Take a moment before responding, especially in emotionally charged conversations. Ask yourself, “Are these words gracious, necessary, and truthful?”
2. Pursue Wisdom Daily
   Spend time in Scripture and prayer, allowing God’s Word to shape your thoughts. Wisdom isn’t a moment, it’s a mindset cultivated over time.
3. Speak With Intention
   Let your words be filled with grace. Affirm others. Choose encouragement over sarcasm. Give correction wrapped in humility.
4. Practice Confidentiality
   Be someone others can trust. If someone shares something personal, don’t treat it like casual information. Steward their vulnerability with care.
5. Heal From the Past
   If fear or past hurt is holding you back from sharing truthfully and kindly, bring that pain to God. He restores broken trust and gives you courage to use your voice again.

Takes some steps today to get started by following the points below:

• Start your day with a wisdom prayer. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your speech and your spirit.
• Keep a “word audit” journal. At the end of the day, look back on the conversations you engaged in. Were your words gracious, reactive, or healing?
• Memorize one verse about speech. (Like Proverbs 15:1 or Ephesians 4:29) Let Scripture renew your responses.

Today I want to encourage you to understand that your words carry power. Don’t underestimate what a single gracious sentence can do or how it can diffuse tension, restore peace, or remind someone of their worth. Let your words be guided not by fear or impulse, but by the Spirit of God within you.

Ecclesiastes reminds us that foolish speech is destructive, like an uncharmed serpent ready to strike. But the words of the wise are a balm, gracious, healing, and life-giving. Don’t just be careful with your words, be intentional. Let them reflect the wisdom, love, and grace of the One who gave you your voice in the first place.

Today’s scripture reading: Ecclesiastes 10:1-12

1 Dead flies putrefy the perfumer’s ointment, and cause it to give off a foul odor; So does a little folly to one respected for wisdom and honor.

2 A wise man’s heart is at his right hand, but a fool’s heart at his left.

3 Even when a fool walks along the way, he lacks wisdom, and he shows everyone that he is a fool.

4 If the spirit of the ruler rises against you, do not leave your post; For conciliation pacifies great offenses.

5 There is an evil I have seen under the sun, as an error proceeding from the ruler:

6 Folly is set in great dignity, while the rich sit in a lowly place.

7 I have seen servants on horses, while princes walk on the ground like servants.

8 He who digs a pit will fall into it, and whoever breaks through a wall will be bitten by a serpent.

9 He who quarries stones may be hurt by them, and he who splits wood may be endangered by it.

10 If the ax is dull, and one does not sharpen the edge, then he must use more strength; But wisdom brings success.

11 A serpent may bite when it is not charmed; The babbler is no different.

12 The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool shall swallow him up;