1 D ead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to stink ferment; a little folly is weightier than wisdom honour.

2 T he heart of a wise is at his right hand; but a fool's heart at his left.

3 Y ea also, when he that is a fool walketh by the way, his sense faileth, and he saith to every one he is a fool.

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

5 T here is an evil that I have seen under the sun, as an error proceedeth from the ruler:

6 f olly 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 H e that diggeth a pit falleth into it; and whoso breaketh down a hedge, a serpent biteth him.

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

10 I f 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 I f the serpent bite before enchantment, then the charmer hath no advantage.

12 T he words of a wise man's mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool swallow up himself.

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

14 A nd the fool multiplieth words: man knoweth not what shall be; and what shall be after him, who will tell him?

15 T he labour of fools wearieth them, because they know not how to go to the city.

16 W oe to thee, O land, when thy king is a child, and thy princes eat in the morning!

17 H appy art thou, O land, when thy king is a son of nobles, and thy princes eat in season, for strength, and not for drunkenness!

18 B y much sloth fulness the framework falleth in; and through idleness of the hands the house drippeth.

19 A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh life merry; but money answereth everything.

20 C urse not the king, no, not in thy thought; and curse not the rich in thy bedchamber: for the bird of the air will carry the voice, and that which hath wings will tell the matter.