[1] Dead flies cause the oil of the perfumer to send forth 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
thereby. [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 revile
the king, no, not in your thoughts; And don`t revile the rich in your
bedchamber: For a bird of the sky may carry your voice, And that
which has wings may tell the matter.
