What does Ecclesiastes 10:13 mean?

Ecclesiastes 10:13 highlights themes such as foolishness, speech, madness when read in context.

How should I apply Ecclesiastes 10:13 today?

Read the surrounding passage, compare related cross references, and turn the verse into a short prayer and concrete action.

The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness: and the end of his talk is mischievous madness.

11Surely the serpent will bite without enchantment; and a babbler is no better.

12The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself.

13The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness: and the end of his talk is mischievous madness.

14A fool also is full of words: a man cannot tell what shall be; and what shall be after him, who can tell him?

15The labour of the foolish wearieth every one of them, because he knoweth not how to go to the city.

foolishnessspeechmadness

Proverbs 10:14
Both verses discuss the folly of the foolish and the consequences of their words.
Matthew 7:26
Jesus contrasts wise and foolish builders, similar to the foolishness discussed here.
Ecclesiastes 5:3
Both verses reflect on the nature of foolish talk and its futility.