[1] Dead flies make the perfumer's ointment give off an evil odor; so a
little folly outweighs wisdom and honor. [2] A wise man's heart inclines
him toward the right, but a fool's heart toward the left. [3] Even when the
fool walks on the road, he lacks sense, and he says to every one that he is
a fool. [4] If the anger of the ruler rises against you, do not leave your
place, for deference will make amends for great offenses. [5] There is an
evil which I have seen under the sun, as it were an error proceeding from
the ruler: [6] folly is set in many high places, and the rich sit in a low
place. [7] I have seen slaves on horses, and princes walking on foot like
slaves. [8] He who digs a pit will fall into it; and a serpent will bite
him who breaks through a wall. [9] He who quarries stones is hurt by them;
and he who splits logs is endangered by them. [10] If the iron is blunt,
and one does not whet the edge, he must put forth more strength; but wisdom
helps one to succeed. [11] If the serpent bites before it is charmed, there
is no advantage in a charmer. [12] The words of a wise man's mouth win him
favor, but the lips of a fool consume him. [13] The beginning of the words
of his mouth is foolishness, and the end of his talk is wicked madness.
[14] A fool multiplies words, though no man knows what is to be, and who
can tell him what will be after him? [15] The toil of a fool wearies him,
so that he does not know the way to the city. [16] Woe to you, O land, when
your king is a child, and your princes feast in the morning! [17] Happy are
you, O land, when your king is the son of free men, and your princes feast
at the proper time, for strength, and not for drunkenness! [18] Through
sloth the roof sinks in, and through indolence the house leaks. [19] Bread
is made for laughter, and wine gladdens life, and money answers everything.
[20] Even in your thought, do not curse the king, nor in your bedchamber
curse the rich; for a bird of the air will carry your voice, or some winged
creature tell the matter.