[1] Dead flies will make a bottle of perfume stink, and then it is spoiled. A little foolishness outweighs wisdom and honor. [2] A wise person's heart leads the right way. The heart of a fool leads the wrong way. [3] Even when a fool goes walking, he has no sense and shows everyone else that he's a fool. [4] If a ruler becomes angry with you, don't resign your position. If you remain calm, you can make up for serious offenses. [5] There is a tragedy that I've seen under the sun, an error often made by rulers. [6] Foolish people are often given high positions, and rich people are left to fill lower positions. [7] I have seen slaves sitting on horses and influential people going on foot like slaves. [8] Whoever digs a pit may fall into it. Whoever breaks through a stone wall may be bitten by a snake. [9] Whoever works in a stone quarry may get hurt. Whoever splits wood may be injured. [10] If an ax is blunt and the edge isn't sharpened, then one has to use more strength. But wisdom prepares the way for success. [11] If a snake bites before it has been charmed, then there is no advantage in being a snake charmer. [12] A wise person's words win favors, but a fool's lips are self-destructive. [13] A fool starts out by talking foolishness and ends up saying crazy things that are dangerous. [14] He never stops talking. No one knows what the future will bring, or what will happen after death. Who can say! [15] Fools wear themselves out with hard work, because they don't even know the way to town. [16] How horrible it will be for any country where the king used to be a servant and where the high officials throw parties in the morning. [17] A country is blessed when the king is from a noble family and when the high officials eat at the right time in order to get strength and not to get drunk. [18] A roof sags because of laziness. A house leaks because of idle hands. [19] A meal is made for laughter, and wine makes life pleasant, but money is the answer for everything. [20] Don't curse the king even in your thoughts, and don't curse rich people even in your bedroom. A bird may carry your words, or some winged creature may repeat what you say.
