1 D ead flies cause the ointment of the perfumer to putrefy send forth a vile odor; so does a little folly outweigh wisdom and honor.

2 A wise man’s heart turns him toward his right hand, but a fool’s heart toward his left.

3 E ven when he who is a fool walks along the road, his heart and understanding fail him, and he says of everyone and to everyone that he is a fool.

4 I f the temper of the ruler rises up against you, do not leave your place; for gentleness and calmness prevent or put a stop to great offenses.

5 T here is an evil which I have seen under the sun, like an error which proceeds from the ruler:

6 F olly is set in great dignity and in high places, and the rich sit in low places.

7 I have seen slaves on horses, and princes walking like slaves on the earth.

8 H e who digs a pit will fall into it, and whoever breaks through a fence or a wall, a serpent will bite him.

9 W hoever removes stones or hews out will be hurt with them, and he who fells trees will be endangered by them.

10 I f the ax is dull and the man does not whet the edge, he must put forth more strength; but wisdom helps him to succeed.

11 I f the serpent bites before it is charmed, then it is no use to call a charmer.

12 T he words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious and win him favor, but the lips of a fool consume him.

13 T he beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness, and the end of his talk is wicked madness.

14 A fool also multiplies words, though no man can tell what will be—and what will happen after he is gone, who can tell him?

15 T he labor of fools wearies every one of them, because he does not even know how to get to town.

16 W oe to you, O land, when your king is a child or a servant and when your officials feast in the morning!

17 H appy (fortunate and to be envied) are you, O land, when your king is a free man and of noble birth and character and when your officials feast at the proper time—for strength and not for drunkenness!

18 T hrough indolence the rafters decay and the roof sinks in, and through idleness of the hands the house leaks.

19 m ake a feast for laughter, serve wine to cheer life, and money to answer for all of it.

20 C urse not the king, no, not even in your thoughts, and curse not the rich in your bedchamber, for a bird of the air will carry the voice, and a winged creature will tell the matter.