[1] Dead flies putrefy the perfumer's ointment, And cause it to give off a foul odor; So does a little folly to one respected for wisdom and honor. [2] A wise man's heart is at his right hand, But a fool's heart at his left. [3] Even when a fool walks along the way, He lacks wisdom, And he shows everyone that he is a fool. [4] If the spirit of the ruler rises against you, Do not leave your post; For conciliation pacifies great offenses. [5] There is an evil I have seen under the sun, As an error proceeding from the ruler: [6] Folly is set in great dignity, While the rich sit in a lowly place. [7] I have seen servants on horses, While princes walk on the ground like servants. [8] He who digs a pit will fall into it, And whoever breaks through a wall will be bitten by a serpent. [9] He who quarries stones may be hurt by them, And he who splits wood may be endangered by it. [10] If the ax is dull, And one does not sharpen the edge, Then he must use more strength; But wisdom brings success. [11] A serpent may bite when it is not charmed; The babbler is no different. [12] The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious, But the lips of a fool shall swallow him up; [13] The words of his mouth begin with foolishness, And the end of his talk is raving madness. [14] A fool also multiplies words. No man knows what is to be; Who can tell him what will be after him? [15] The labor of fools wearies them, For they do not even know how to go to the city! [16] Woe to you, O land, when your king is a child, And your princes feast in the morning! [17] Blessed are you, O land, when your king is the son of nobles, And your princes feast at the proper time- For strength and not for drunkenness! [18] Because of laziness the building decays, And through idleness of hands the house leaks. [19] A feast is made for laughter, And wine makes merry; But money answers everything. [20] Do not curse the king, even in your thought; Do not curse the rich, even in your bedroom; For a bird of the air may carry your voice, And a bird in flight may tell the matter.
