| [an error occurred while processing this directive] | Berean Study Bible |
| 1[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 1As dead flies bring a stench to the perfumer’s oil, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor. |
| 2[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 2A wise man’s heart inclines to the right, but the heart of a fool to the left. |
| 3[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 3Even as the fool walks along the road, his sense is lacking, and he shows everyone that he is a fool. |
| 4[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 4If the ruler’s temper flares against you, do not abandon your post, for calmness lays great offenses to rest. |
| 5[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 5There is an evil I have seen under the sun—an error that proceeds from the ruler: |
| 6[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 6Folly is appointed to great heights, but the rich sit in lowly positions. |
| 7[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 7I have seen slaves on horseback, while princes go on foot like slaves. |
| 8[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 8He who digs a pit may fall into it, and he who breaches a wall may be bitten by a snake. |
| 9[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 9The one who quarries stones may be injured by them, and he who splits logs endangers himself. |
| 10[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 10If the axe is dull and the blade unsharpened, more strength must be exerted, but skill produces success. |
| 11[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 11If the snake bites before it is charmed, there is no profit for the charmer. |
| 12[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 12The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool consume him. |
| 13[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 13The beginning of his talk is folly, and the end of his speech is evil madness. |
| 14[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 14Yet the fool multiplies words. No one knows what is coming, and who can tell him what will come after him? |
| 15[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 15The toil of a fool wearies him, for he does not know the way to the city. |
| 16[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 16Woe to you, O land whose king is a youth, and whose princes feast in the morning. |
| 17[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 17Blessed are you, O land whose king is a son of nobles, and whose princes feast at the proper time—for strength and not for drunkenness. |
| 18[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 18Through laziness the roof caves in, and in the hands of the idle, the house leaks. |
| 19[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 19A feast is prepared for laughter, and wine makes life merry, but money is the answer for everything. |
| 20[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 20Do not curse the king even in your thoughts, or curse the rich even in your bedroom, for a bird of the air may carry your words, and a winged creature may report your speech. |
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