1Dead flies make the perfumer's ointment give off a stench;

so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honour.

2A wise man's heart inclines him to the right,

but a fool's heart to the left.

3Even when the fool walks on the road, he lacks sense,

and he says to everyone that he is a fool.

4If the anger of the ruler rises against you, do not leave your place,

for calmness10:4 Hebrew healing will lay great offences to rest.

5There is an evil that I have seen under the sun, as it were an error proceeding from the ruler: 6folly is set in many high places, and the rich sit in a low place. 7I have seen slaves on horses, and princes walking on the ground like slaves.

8He who digs a pit will fall into it,

and a serpent will bite him who breaks through a wall.

9He who quarries stones is hurt by them,

and he who splits logs is endangered by them.

10If the iron is blunt, and one does not sharpen the edge,

he must use more strength,

but wisdom helps one to succeed.10:10 Or wisdom is an advantage for success

11If the serpent bites before it is charmed,

there is no advantage to the charmer.

12The words of a wise man's mouth win him favour,10:12 Or are gracious

but the lips of a fool consume him.

13The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness,

and the end of his talk is evil madness.

14A fool multiplies words,

though no man knows what is to be,

and who can tell him what will be after him?

15The toil of a fool wearies him,

for he does not know the way to the city.

16Woe to you, O land, when your king is a child,

and your princes feast in the morning!

17Happy are you, O land, when your king is the son of the nobility,

and your princes feast at the proper time,

for strength, and not for drunkenness!

18Through sloth the roof sinks in,

and through indolence the house leaks.

19Bread is made for laughter,

and wine gladdens life,

and money answers everything.

20Even in your thoughts, do not curse the king,

nor in your bedroom curse the rich,

for a bird of the air will carry your voice,

or some winged creature tell the matter.