Ecclesiastes 10:1-20 NIV

Ecclesiastes 10:1-20 NIV [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 fools walk along the road, they lack sense and show everyone how stupid they are. [4] If a ruler's anger rises against you, do not leave your post; calmness can lay great offenses 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, the charmer receives no fee. [12] Words from the mouth of the wise are gracious, but fools are consumed by their own lips. [13] At the beginning their words are folly; at the end they are wicked madness- [14] and fools multiply words. No one knows what is coming- who can tell someone else what will happen after them? [15] The toil of fools wearies them; they do not know the way to town. [16] Woe to the land whose king was a servant and whose princes feast in the morning. [17] Blessed is the land whose king is of noble birth and whose princes eat at a proper time-for strength and not for drunkenness. [18] Through laziness, the rafters sag; because of idle hands, the house leaks. [19] A feast is made for laughter, wine makes life merry, and 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 in the sky may carry your words, and a bird on the wing may report what you say.

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