Ecclesiastes 10:1-14 ▼

1 Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to stink [and] ferment; [so] a little folly is weightier than wisdom [and] honour.

2 The heart of a wise [man] is at his right hand; but a fool's heart at his left.

3 Yea also, when he that is a fool walketh by the way, his sense faileth [him], and he saith to every one [that] he is a fool.

4 If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for quietness pacifieth great offences.

5 There is an evil that I have seen under the sun, as an error [that] proceedeth from the ruler:

6 folly is set in great dignities, but the rich sit in a low place.

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

8 He that diggeth a pit falleth into it; and whoso breaketh down a hedge, a serpent biteth him.

9 Whoso removeth stones is hurt therewith; he that cleaveth wood is endangered thereby.

10 If the iron be blunt, and one do not whet the edge, then must he apply more strength; but wisdom is profitable to give success.

11 If the serpent bite before enchantment, then the charmer hath no advantage.

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

13 The beginning of the words of his mouth is folly; and the end of his talk is mischievous madness.

14 And the fool multiplieth words: [yet] man knoweth not what shall be; and what shall be after him, who will tell him?