Ecclesiastes 10:1-20 NIV84

Ecclesiastes 10:1-20 NIV84 [1] As dead flies give perfume a bad smell, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor. [2] The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but the heart of the fool to the left. [3] Even as he walks along the road, the fool lacks sense and shows everyone how stupid he is. [4] If a ruler's anger rises against you, do not leave your post; calmness can lay great errors to rest. [5] There is an evil I have seen under the sun, the sort of error that arises from a ruler: [6] Fools are put in many high positions, while the rich occupy the low ones. [7] I have seen slaves on horseback, while princes go on foot like slaves. [8] Whoever digs a pit may fall into it; whoever breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake. [9] Whoever quarries stones may be injured by them; whoever splits logs may be endangered by them. [10] If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed but skill will bring success. [11] If a snake bites before it is charmed, there is no profit for the charmer. [12] Words from a wise man's mouth are gracious, but a fool is consumed by his own lips. [13] At the beginning his words are folly; at the end they are wicked madness--- [14] and the fool multiplies words. No one knows what is coming---who can tell him what will happen after him? [15] A fool's work wearies him; he does not know the way to town. [16] Woe to you, O land whose king was a servant and whose princes feast in the morning. [17] Blessed are you, O land whose king is of noble birth and whose princes eat at a proper time---for strength and not for drunkenness. [18] If a man is lazy, the rafters sag; if his hands are idle, the house leaks. [19] A feast is made for laughter, and wine makes life merry, but money is the answer for everything. [20] Do not revile the king even in your thoughts, or curse the rich in your bedroom, because a bird of the air may carry your words, and a bird on the wing may report what you say.

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