| Chapter 10 |
1 |
Dead flies cause the oil of the perfumer to send forth an evil odor; so does a little folly outweigh wisdom and honor. |
2 |
A wise man`s heart is at his right hand, but a fool`s heart at his left. |
3 |
Yes also, when the fool walks by the way, his understanding fails him, and he says to everyone that he is a fool. |
4 |
If the spirit of the ruler rises up against you, don`t leave your place; for gentleness lays great offenses to rest. |
5 |
There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, the sort of error which proceeds from the ruler. |
6 |
Folly is set in great dignity, and the rich sit in a low place. |
7 |
I have seen servants on horses, and princes walking like servants on the earth. |
8 |
He who digs a pit may fall into it; and whoever breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake. |
9 |
Whoever carves out stones may be injured by them. Whoever splits wood may be endangered thereby. |
10 |
If the ax is blunt, and one doesn`t sharpen the edge, then he must use more strength; but skill brings success. |
11 |
If the snake bites before it is charmed, then is there no profit for the charmer`s tongue. |
12 |
The words of a wise man`s mouth are gracious; but a fool is swallowed by his own lips. |
13 |
The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness; and the end of his talk is mischievous madness. |
14 |
A fool also multiplies words. Man doesn`t know what will be; and that which will be after him, who can tell him? |
15 |
The labor of fools wearies every one of them; for he doesn`t know how to go to the city. |
16 |
Woe to you, land, when your king is a child, And your princes eat in the morning! |
17 |
Happy are you, land, when your king is the son of nobles, And your princes eat in due season, For strength, and not for drunkenness! |
18 |
By slothfulness the roof sinks in; And through idleness of the hands the house leaks. |
19 |
A feast is made for laughter, And wine makes the life glad; And money is the answer for all things. |
20 |
Don`t revile the king, no, not in your thoughts; And don`t revile the rich in your bedchamber: For a bird of the sky may carry your voice, And that which has wings may tell the matter. |