[1] Dead flies make the oil of the perfumer give out an evil smell; more
valued is a little wisdom than the great glory of the foolish. [2] The
heart of the wise man goes in the right direction; but the heart of a
foolish man in the wrong. [3] And when the foolish man is walking in the
way, he has no sense and lets everyone see that he is foolish. [4] If the
wrath of the ruler is against you, keep in your place; in him who keeps
quiet even great sins may be overlooked. [5] There is an evil which I have
seen under the sun, like an error which comes by chance from a ruler: [6]
The foolish are placed in high positions, but men of wealth are kept low.
[7] I have seen servants on horses, and rulers walking on the earth as
servants. [8] He who makes a hole for others will himself go into it, and
for him who makes a hole through a wall the bite of a snake will be a
punishment. [9] He who gets out stones from the earth will be damaged by
them, and in the cutting of wood there is danger. [10] If the iron has no
edge, and he does not make it sharp, then he has to put out more strength;
but wisdom makes things go well. [11] If a snake gives a bite before the
word of power is said, then there is no longer any use in the word of
power. [12] The words of a wise man's mouth are sweet to all, but the lips
of a foolish man are his destruction. [13] The first words of his mouth are
foolish, and the end of his talk is evil crime. [14] The foolish are full
of words; man has no knowledge of what will be; and who is able to say what
will be after him? [15] The work of the foolish will be a weariness to him,
because he has no knowledge of the way to the town. [16] Unhappy is the
land whose king is a boy, and whose rulers are feasting in the morning.
[17] Happy is the land whose ruler is of noble birth, and whose chiefs take
food at the right time, for strength and not for feasting. [18] When no
work is done the roof goes in, and when the hands do nothing water comes
into the house. [19] A feast is for laughing, and wine makes glad the
heart; but by the one and the other money is wasted. [20] Say not a curse
against the king, even in your thoughts; and even secretly say not a curse
against the man of wealth; because a bird of the air will take the voice,
and that which has wings will give news of it.
