1Dead flies cause the ointment of the perfumer to send forth a foul odor: so does a little folly to him that is respected for wisdom and honor.

2A wise man's heart is at his right hand; but a fool's heart at his left.

3Yea also, when he that is a fool walks by the way, his wisdom fails him, and he says to every one that he is a fool.

4If the spirit of the ruler rises up against you, leave not your post; for yielding pacifies great offences.

5There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, as an error which proceeds from the ruler:

6Folly is set in great dignity, and the rich sit in low place.

7I have seen servants upon horses, and princes walking as servants upon the earth.

8He that digs a pit shall fall into it; and whosoever breaks through a wall, a serpent shall bite him.

9Whosoever quarries stones may be hurt by them; and he that splits wood shall be endangered by it.

10If the iron is blunt, and he does not sharpen the edge, then must he use more strength: but wisdom helps one to succeed.

11Surely the serpent will bite without enchantment; and a babbler is no better.

12The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow him up.

13The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness: and the end of his talk is wicked madness.

14A fool also is full of words: a man cannot tell what shall be; and what shall be after him, who can tell him?

15The labor of the foolish wearies every one of them, because he knows not how to go to the city.

16Woe to you, O land, when your king is a child, and your princes feast in the morning!

17Blessed 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!

18By much slothfulness the building decays; and through idleness of the hands the house leaks.

19A feast is made for laughter, and wine makes merry: but money answers all things.

20Curse not the king, no not even in your thought; and curse not the rich in your bedchamber: for a bird of the air shall carry the voice, and that which has wings shall tell the matter.