10 1 Dead flies make the perfumer's oil stink and ferment; so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor. 2 The heart of the wise inclines to his right, but the heart of a fool to his left. 3 Even when the fool walks along the road, he lacks sense, and he shows everyone that he is a fool. 4 If the ruler's anger rises against you, do not leave your post, for calmness lays great offenses to rest.
5 There is an evil I have seen under the sun, the kind of error that comes from a ruler: 6 folly is set in many high places, while the rich sit in low positions. 7 I have seen slaves on horseback, and princes walking on foot like slaves. 8 Whoever digs a pit may fall into it, and whoever breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake. 9 Whoever quarries stones may be hurt by them, and whoever splits logs is endangered by them. 10 If the axe is dull and its edge is not sharpened, you have to use more strength; but wisdom brings success.
11 If the snake bites before it is charmed, the charmer gains nothing. 12 A wise man's words bring him favor, but the lips of a fool consume him. 13 The beginning of his words is folly, and the end of his talk is wicked madness. 14 Yet the fool keeps on talking. No one knows what is coming, and who can tell anyone what will happen after him?
15 Fools wear themselves out with their work, for they do not even know the way to town. 16 Woe to you, land, when your king is a child and your princes feast in the morning. 17 Blessed are you, land, when your king is the son of nobles and your princes feast at the proper time — for strength, and not for drunkenness. 18 Through laziness the rafters sag, and through idle hands the house leaks. 19 Bread is made for laughter, and wine gladdens life, and money answers everything. 20 Do not curse the king even in your thoughts, and do not curse the rich even in your bedroom, for a bird of the sky may carry your words, and a winged creature may report what you say.