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Daily Devotions

Ecclesiastes

Ecclesiastes 
Day 
Day 148

"A fool also multiplies words"

Text: "A fool also multiplies words"

EXASPERATION FELT

Solomon may well have felt a sense of exasperation as he observed the ways of the foolish man. The fool does not seem to understand the danger he is facing!

“A fool also multiplies words.
No man knows what is to be;
Who can tell him what will be after him?”
Ecclesiastes 10:14

1. “A fool also multiplies words”

a) If a person makes mistakes in speaking

i) He may be excused.

ii) He may have spoken a word or two out of turn.

iii) In wisdom, he realises his limitations and he refrains from speaking further.

b) In the case of the fool

i) He does not realise his own ignorance.

ii) Instead of refraining, he actually “multiplies words”.

iii) These added words continue to be devoid of wisdom or substance.

2. “No man knows what is to be; who can tell him what will be after him?”

a) What would be the future of this foolish person?

b) The honest answer: “No man knows what is to be”.

c) Some questions may be raised:

i) Would he be penalised for speaking as foolishly as he has?

ii) Would there be consequences of his actions?

iii) Would he become even more foolish?

iv) Would he offend people so badly that they would harm him?

No one can offer a clear answer!

d) Who can tell him what will be after him?

i) Can the fool be taught at all?

ii) Can he be warned about what could befall him?

iii) Would there be any success to try and correct his foolish ways?

Solomon is in doubt that anyone can speak some sense into a person bent on adhering to his foolishness. The fool does not think that he is foolish. In fact, he thinks that he is quite wise!