[1] Dead flies turn a perfumer’s oil rancid, so a little foolishness is more potent than wisdom and honor. [2] A wise person’s heart directs him toward the right, but the foolish person’s heart directs him toward the left. [3] Even when the fool walks along the road, his sense is lacking, and he demonstrates to everyone that he is a fool. [4] If the ruler’s temper rises against you, do not abandon your place, because composure puts great offenses to rest. [5] There is an evil I have seen under the sun, like a mistake that proceeds from the ruler: [6] foolishness is set in many exalted places while the rich sit in humble places. [7] I have seen slaves riding on horses and princes walking like slaves on the land. [8] One who digs a pit may fall into it, and a serpent may bite one who breaks through a wall. [9] One who quarries stones may be hurt by them, and one who splits logs may be endangered by them. [10] If the axe is dull and he does not sharpen its edge, then he must exert more strength. Wisdom has the advantage of bringing success. [11] If the serpent bites before being charmed, there is no benefit for the charmer. [12] Words from the mouth of a wise person are gracious, while the lips of a fool consume him; [13] the beginning of his talking is foolishness, and the end of it is evil insanity. [14] Yet the fool multiplies words. No person knows what will happen, and who can tell him what will come after him? [15] The labor of a fool makes him so weary that he does not even know how to go to a city. [16] Woe to you, land whose king is a boy, and whose princes feast in the morning. [17] Blessed are you, land whose king is of nobility, and whose princes eat at the appropriate time—for strength and not for drunkenness. [18] Through extreme laziness the rafters sag, and through idleness the house leaks. [19] People prepare a meal for enjoyment, wine makes life joyful, and money is the answer to everything. [20] Furthermore, in your bedroom do not curse a king, and in your sleeping rooms do not curse a rich person; for a bird of the sky will bring the sound, and the winged one will make your word known.
