Ecclesiastes 10:11

“Surely the serpent will bite without enchantment, etc.] See (<240817>Jeremiah 8:17). Or rather, “without a whisper”f239; without hissing, or any noise, giving no warning at all: so the Vulgate Latin version renders it, “in silence”; some serpents bite, others sting, some both; see (<202332>Proverbs 23:32); some hiss, others not, as here; and a babbler is no better; a whisperer, a backbiter, a busy tattling body, that goes from house to house, and, in a private manner, speaks evil of civil governments, of ministers of the word, and of other persons; and; in a secret way, defames men, and detracts from their characters: such an one is like a venomous viper, a poisonous serpent or adder; and…”

“A "serpent will bite" if "enchantment" is not used; "and a babbling calumniator is no better." Therefore, as one may escape a serpent by charms (Psa 58:4-5), so one may escape the sting of a calumniator by discretion (Ecc 10:12), [HOLDEN]. Thus, "without enchantment" answers to "not whet the edge" (Ecc 10:10), both expressing, figuratively, want of judgment. MAURER translates, "There is no gain to the enchanter" (Margin, "master of the tongue") from his enchantments, because the serpent bites before he can use them; hence the need of continual caution. Ecc 10:8-10, caution in acting; Ecc 10:11 and following verses, caution in speaking.”

“Rather: “If a serpent without enchantment (i. e., not being enchanted) bites, then there is no advantage to the charmer”: i. e., if the charmer is unwisely slack in exercising his craft, he will be bitten like other people. See Psalms 58:4 note. return to 'Top of Page'”

“Without - If not prevented by the art and care of the charmer; which practice he does not justify, but only mentions by way of resemblance. Ecclesiastes 10:12”

“10:11 One purpose of charming a snake is to keep it from biting, but a snake charmer risks being bitten before it is charmed. Some occupations are so hazardous that the wise do not engage in them at all.”

“the serpent: Psa 58:4, Psa 58:5; Jer 8:17 a babbler: Heb. the master of the tongue, Psa 52:2, Psa 64:3; Pro 18:21; Jam 3:6 Ecclesiastes 10:12”

“The last proverb of this series presents for consideration the uselessness of him who comes too late. "If a serpent bite without enchantment, the charmer is of no use." The Talm. interprets this אם, like that of Ecc 10:10, also as interrog.: Does the serpent bite without its being whispered to, i.e., without a providential determination impelling it thereto? Jer. Peah, i. 1. But לחשׁ, except at Isa 26:16, where whispering prayers are meant, signifies the whispering of formulas of charming; "serpents are not to be charmed (tamed)," לחששׁ, Jer 8:17. Rather for הלּ בּעל the meaning of slander is possible, which is given to it in the Haggada, Taanith 8a: All the beasts will one day all at once…”