1As dead flies cause perfume to have a bad smell; so does a little folly outweigh wisdom and honor.
2The heart of the wise man inclines to the right; but a fool's heart to the left.
3Even when a fool walks along the road, his lack of sense and stupidity are evident to everyone, that he is a fool.
4If the anger of a ruler rises against you, do not quit your post; for calm pacifies even great offences.
5There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, the sort of error which arises from a ruler:
6Fools are set in high positions, while the rich occupy low ones.
7I have seen slaves on horseback, and princes walking like servants.
8He that digs a pit may fall into it; and whoever breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake.
9Whoever quarries stones may be hurt by them; and he that splits wood may also be injured by the ax.
10If the ax is dull, and its edge unsharpened, then more effort must he exerted, but skill helps achieve success.
11Surely if a snake bites before being charmed, then what advantage is there to the snake charmer? And a babbler is no better.
12The words of a wise man are gracious, but fools are destroyed by their own words.
13At the beginning their words are foolishness, and the end of their talk is wicked madness.
14And fools utter many words. No one knows or can tell what shall be after him.
15The toil of fools wearies them, because they cannot even find their way home.
16Woe to the land, whose king is a child, and whose princes feast in the morning!
17Blessed is the land, when its king is a noble leader, and its princes eat at proper times – for strength – and not to get drunk!
18By much laziness and neglect, the building deteriorates, and the roof sags and leaks.
19A feast is made for laughter, and wine makes merry, but money supplies all things.
20Do not despise the king, not even in your thoughts; nor curse the rich in your bedroom; for a bird of the air shall carry your words, and his wings shall spread what was said. Easy Reader Bible: Purple Letter Edition © 2023 by Jim Musser. Used by Permission. All rights Reserved. Bible Hub |
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