[1] Dead flies can make even perfume stink. In the same way, a little foolishness can spoil wisdom. [2] The heart of the wise leads to right, but the heart of a fool leads to wrong. [3] Even in the way fools walk along the road, they show they are not wise; they show everyone how stupid they are. [4] Don't leave your job just because your boss is angry with you. Remaining calm solves great problems. [5] There is something else wrong that happens here on earth. It is the kind of mistake rulers make: [6] Fools are given important positions while gifted people are given lower ones; [7] I have seen servants ride horses while princes walk like servants on foot. [8] Anyone who digs a pit might fall into it; anyone who knocks down a wall might be bitten by a snake; [9] anyone who moves boulders might be hurt by them; and anyone who cuts logs might be harmed by them. [10] A dull ax means harder work. Being wise will make it easier. [11] If a snake bites the tamer before it is tamed, what good is the tamer? [12] The words of the wise bring them praise, but the words of a fool will destroy them. [13] A fool begins by saying foolish things and ends by saying crazy and wicked things. [14] A fool talks too much. No one knows the future, and no one can tell what will happen after death. [15] Work wears fools out; they don't even know how to get home. [16] How terrible it is for a country whose king is a child and whose leaders eat all morning. [17] How lucky a country is whose king comes from a good family, whose leaders eat only at mealtime and for strength, not to get drunk. [18] If someone is lazy, the roof will begin to fall. If he doesn't fix it, the house will leak. [19] A party makes you feel good, wine makes you feel happy, and money buys anything. [20] Don't make fun of the king, and don't make fun of rich people, even in your bedroom. A little bird might carry your words; a bird might fly and tell what you said.
