Have you ever met someone who just won’t stop talking—but the more they speak, the worse it gets?

Welcome to The Daily, where we go through the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every single day.

Today, we’re looking at Ecclesiastes 10:12-15:

The words of a wise man's mouth win him favor, but the lips of a fool consume him. The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness, and the end of his talk is evil madness. A fool multiplies words, though no man knows what is to be, and who can tell him what will be after him? The toil of a fool wearies him, for he does not know the way to the city. — Ecclesiastes 10:12-15

The Difference Between Words of Wisdom and Foolishness

Words aren’t just sounds—they shape our lives and relationships. Solomon draws a clear line between the wise and the foolish, showing us how our words can work for or against us.

Three Wise Lessons About Words

1. Words have power. They can build up or tear down. The wise gain favor because they choose their words carefully. The fool? His own words consume him. He talks himself into trouble.
2. Foolish talk spirals downward. It starts as nonsense but ends in “evil madness.” Ever seen that happen? A small lie snowballs. A careless comment ruins a relationship. Foolishness left unchecked always leads to destruction.
3. More words don’t mean more wisdom. The fool keeps talking, acting like he knows it all—yet he can’t even find his way to the city. He’s lost but convinced he’s the smartest guy in the room.

What do your words say about you? Are they thoughtful and life-giving? Or reckless and exhausting? Wisdom begins with restraint—knowing when to speak and when to stay silent. Today, before you open your mouth, ask yourself: Will this build up or tear down?

Lord, help me speak with wisdom and grace. Guard my tongue from foolishness, and give me discernment to know when to speak and when to stay silent. Amen.

#WisdomInWords, #BiblicalTruth, #SpeakLife

ASK THIS:

1. How do your words impact those around you?
2. When have you seen foolish talk spiral out of control?
3. What practical step can you take to speak with more wisdom?
4. How can you develop the habit of restraint in your speech?

DO THIS:

Pause before you speak today—ask yourself, “Will this build up or tear down?”

PRAY THIS:

Lord, help me to use my words with wisdom, bringing life and encouragement rather than destruction. Give me the discernment to know when to speak and when to remain silent. Amen.

PLAY THIS:

Words.