[1] As dead flies bring a stench to the perfumer’s oil, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor. [2] A wise man’s heart inclines to the right, but the heart of a fool to the left. [3] Even as the fool walks along the road, his sense is lacking, and he shows everyone that he is a fool. [4] If the ruler’s temper flares against you, do not abandon your post, for calmness lays great offenses to rest. [5] There is an evil I have seen under the sun —an error that proceeds from the ruler: [6] Folly is appointed to great heights, but the rich sit in lowly positions. [7] I have seen slaves on horseback, while princes go on foot like slaves. [8] He who digs a pit may fall into it, and he who breaches a wall may be bitten by a snake. [9] The one who quarries stones may be injured by them, and he who splits logs endangers himself. [10] If the axe is dull and the blade unsharpened, more strength must be exerted, but skill produces success. [11] If the snake bites before it is charmed, there is no profit for the charmer. [12] The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool consume him. [13] The beginning of his talk is folly, and the end of his speech is evil madness. [14] Yet the fool multiplies words. No one knows what is coming, and who can tell him what will come after him? [15] The toil of a fool wearies him, for he does not know the way to the city. [16] Woe to you, O land whose king is a youth, and whose princes feast in the morning. [17] Blessed are you, O land whose king is a son of nobles, and whose princes feast at the proper time—for strength and not for drunkenness. [18] Through laziness the roof caves in, and in the hands of the idle, the house leaks. [19] A feast is prepared for laughter, and wine makes life merry, but money is the answer for everything. [20] Do not curse the king even in your thoughts, or curse the rich even in your bedroom, for a bird of the air may carry your words, and a winged creature may report your speech.
