Ecclesiastes 10
1 Dead flies make the perfumer’s oil stink and ferment. So a little foolishness outweighs wisdom and honor.
2 The wise person’s heart is at his right hand, but the fool’s heart is at his left.
3 Even as the fool walks along the road, he lacks sense and tells everyone that he is a fool.
4 If the ruler’s temper rises against you, do not leave your place, for calmness can quiet great offenses.
5 There is an evil I have seen under the sun, an error that comes from the one who rules.
6 Foolishness is set in many high places, while the rich sit in low places.
7 I have seen slaves on horseback and princes walking on the ground like slaves.
8 Whoever digs a pit may fall into it, and whoever breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake.
9 Whoever quarries stones may be hurt by them, and whoever splits logs puts himself in danger.
10 If the iron is dull and its edge has not been sharpened, more strength is needed. The advantage of doing things well is wisdom.
11 If a snake bites before it is charmed, the snake-charmer gains nothing from his skill.
12 The words from a wise person’s mouth win favor, but the fool’s lips consume him.
13 The beginning of his words is foolishness, and the end of his speech is wicked madness.
14 The fool multiplies words. No one knows what is going to happen, and who can tell him what will come after him?
15 The toil of fools wears them out, because they do not even know the way to the city.
16 Woe to you, land whose king is a child and whose princes feast in the morning!
17 Happy are you, land whose king is of noble birth and whose princes feast at the proper time, for strength and not for drunkenness!
18 Through laziness the roof sags, and through idle hands the house leaks.
19 They make bread for laughter, and wine gladdens life. Money answers for everything.
20 Do not curse the king, even in your thoughts, or curse the rich in your bedroom. For a bird of the sky may carry your voice, and a winged creature may report the matter.
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