Chapter 10
1 Dead flies cause the oil of the perfumer to produce an evil odor; so does a little folly outweigh wisdom and honor .
2 A wise man ’s heart is at his right hand , but a fool ’s heart at his left .
3 Yes also when the fool walks by the way , his understanding fails him , and he says to everyone that he is a fool .
4 If the spirit of the ruler rises up against you , don’t leave your place ; for gentleness lays great offenses to rest.
5 There is an evil which I have seen under the sun , the sort of error which proceeds from the ruler .
6 Folly is set in great dignity , and the rich sit in a low place .
7 I have seen servants on horses , and princes walking like servants on the earth.
8 He who digs a pit may fall into it ; and whoever breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake .
9 Whoever carves out stones may be injured by them. Whoever splits wood may be endangered by it.
10 If the ax is blunt , and one doesn’t sharpen the edge , then he must use more strength ; but skill brings success .
11 If the snake bites before it is charmed , then is there no profit for the charmer ’s tongue .
12 The words of a wise man ’s mouth are gracious ; but a fool is swallowed by his own lips .
13 The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness ; and the end of his talk is mischievous madness .
14 A fool also multiplies words . Man doesn’t know what will be ; and that which will be after him , who can tell him ?
15 The labor of fools wearies every one of them ; for he doesn’t know how to go to the city .
16 Woe to you , land, when your king is a child , and your princes eat in the morning !
17 Happy are you , land, when your king is the son of nobles , and your princes eat in due season , for strength , and not for drunkenness !
18 By slothfulness the roof sinks in ; and through idleness of the hands the house leaks .
19 A feast is made for laughter , and wine makes the life glad ; and money is the answer for all things .
20 Don’t curse the king , no, not in your thoughts ; and don’t curse the rich in your bedroom , for a bird of the sky may carry your voice , and that which has wings may tell the matter .