[1] A dead fly causes a stench in mixed anointing oil, so a little folly is more weighty than wisdom and honor. [2] The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but the heart of a fool to the left. [3] Even when a fool walks on the road, he lacks sense, and he shows everyone that he is a fool. [4] If the anger of a ruler rises against you, do not leave your post; for calmness pacifies great offenses. [5] There is an evil that I have seen under the sun like an error that goes out from a ruler: [6] Folly is set in many high places, but the rich sit in a low place. [7] I have seen slaves riding on horses, and officials walking along the ground like slaves. [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 is injured by them, and he who splits wood is in danger from them. [10] If an iron piece is blunt and there is no one to sharpen it, then he must prevail with more strength; but wisdom is a benefit to succeed. [11] If a serpent bites before it is charmed, there is no advantage to the charmer. [12] The words of a wise man's mouth bring favor, but the speech of a fool consumes him; [13] the beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness, and the end of his talk is evil madness. [14] A fool multiplies words, though no man knows what is to be; who can tell him what will be after him? [15] The labor of the foolish makes him weary, such that he does not know the way to the city! [16] Woe to you, O land, when your king is a lad, and your princes are feasting in the morning! [17] Happy are you, O land, when your king is from nobility, and your princes are feasting at the appropriate time- with self-control and not drunkenness! [18] The roof beams sink in with slothfulness, and with the idleness of one's hands the house drips. [19] They make feasts for laughter, and wine gladdens life; but money resolves everything. [20] Even in your mind do not curse the king; and in your bedchamber do not curse the rich; for a bird in the sky may carry your voice, and a winged creature may declare the matter.
