[1] Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savor; so doth a little folly in him that hath a reputation for wisdom and honor. [2] A wise man's heart is at his right hand, but a fool's heart at his left. [3] Yea also, when he that is a fool walketh along the way, his wisdom faileth him, and he saith to everyone that he is a fool. [4] If the ire of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy station; for yielding pacifieth great offenses. [5] There is an evil which I have seen under the sun as an error which proceedeth from the ruler: [6] folly is set in great dignity, and the rich sit in lowly places. [7] I have seen servants upon horses, and princes walking as servants upon the earth. [8] He that diggeth a pit shall fall into it; and whoso breaketh through a hedge, a serpent shall bite him. [9] Whoso removeth out stones shall be hurt therewith; and he that cleaveth wood shall be endangered thereby. [10] If the ax be blunt and one does not whet the edge, then must he put to it more strength; but wisdom is profitable to direct him. [11] Surely the serpent will bite if not charmed, and a babbler is no better. [12] The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool will swallow himself up; [13] the beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness, and the end of his talk is mischievous madness. [14] A fool also is full of words: A man cannot tell what shall be; and what shall be after him - who can tell him? [15] The labor of the foolish wearieth every one of them, because he knoweth not how to go to the city. [16] Woe to thee, O land, when thy king is a child and thy princes feast in the morning! [17] Blessed art thou, O land, when thy king is the son of nobles, and thy princes eat in due season, for strength and not for drunkenness! [18] By much slothfulness the building decayeth, and through idleness of the hands the house leaks. [19] A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry; but money answereth all things. [20] Curse not the king, no, not even in thy thoughts, and curse not the rich in thy bedchamber; for a bird of the air shall carry thy voice, and that which hath wings shall tell the matter.
