1 ¶ Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour: likewise a small act of folly unto him that is esteemed for wisdom and honour.

2 A wise man’s heart is at his right hand, but a fool’s heart at his left.

3 E ven when the fool walks by the way, he lacks prudence, and he says unto every one that he is a fool.

4 ¶ If the spirit of the ruler rises up against thee, do not leave thy place; for meekness pacifies great sins.

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

6 F olly is set in great dignity, and the rich are seated in a low place.

7 I saw slaves upon horses, and princes walking as slaves upon the earth.

8 H e that digs a pit shall fall into it, and whosoever breaks a hedge, a serpent shall bite him.

9 W hosoever moves the stones shall have tribulation along with it, and he that cuts the firewood shall be endangered by it.

10 I f the iron is blunt, and he does not whet the edge, then he must put forth more strength, but the advantages of wisdom excel.

11 I f the serpent bites without being enchanted, then the babbler is no more.

12 ¶ The words from the mouth of the wise man are grace, but the lips of the fool will swallow up himself.

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

14 T he fool multiplies words and says, Man cannot tell what shall be, and what shall be after him, who can tell him?

15 T he labour of the foolish wearies all of them because they do not know how to go to the city.

16 ¶ Woe to thee, O land, when thy king is a child, and thy princes banquet in the morning!

17 B lessed art thou, O land, when thy king is the son of nobles, and thy princes eat in due season for strength, and not for drunkenness!

18 B y much slothfulness the building decays, and through idleness of the hands the rain drips throughout the house.

19 T he banquet is made for pleasure, and wine makes merry; but money answers all things.

20 D o not curse the king, not even in thy thought; and do not curse the rich even in the secret place of thy bedchamber; for the birds of the air shall carry the voice, and those who have wings shall tell the matter.