[1] Dead flies will cause even a bottle of perfume to stink! Yes, a small mistake can outweigh much wisdom and honor. [2] A wise man's heart leads him to do right, and a fool's heart leads him to do evil. [3] You can identify a fool just by the way he walks down the street! [4] If the boss is angry with you, don't quit! A quiet spirit will quiet his bad temper. [5] There is another evil I have seen as I have watched the world go by, a sad situation concerning kings and rulers: [6] For I have seen foolish men given great authority and rich men not given their rightful place of dignity! [7] I have even seen servants riding, while princes walk like servants! [8] Dig a well-and fall into it! Demolish an old wall-and be bitten by a snake! When working in a quarry, stones will fall and crush you! There is risk in each stroke of your ax! [10] A dull ax requires great strength; be wise and sharpen the blade. [11] When the horse is stolen, it is too late to lock the barn. [12] It is pleasant to listen to wise words, but a fool's speech brings him to ruin. Since he begins with a foolish premise, his conclusion is sheer madness. [14] A fool knows all about the future and tells everyone in detail! But who can really know what is going to happen? [15] A fool is so upset by a little work that he has no strength for the simplest matter. [16] Woe to the land whose king is a child and whose leaders are already drunk in the morning. Happy the land whose king is a nobleman and whose leaders work hard before they feast and drink, and then only to strengthen themselves for the tasks ahead! [18] Laziness lets the roof leak, and soon the rafters begin to rot. [19] A party gives laughter, and wine gives happiness, and money gives everything! [20] Never curse the king, not even in your thoughts, nor the rich man, either; for a little bird will tell them what you've said.
