“1 Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a
stinking savour: [so doth] a little folly him that is in reputation for
wisdom [and] honour. 2 A wise man’s heart [is] at his right hand; but a
fool’s heart at his left. 3 Yea also, when he that is a fool walketh by
the way, his wisdom faileth [him], and he saith to every one [that] he
[is] a fool.”
“4 If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy
place; for yielding pacifieth great offences. 5 There is an evil [which]
I have seen under the sun, as an error [which] proceedeth from the
ruler: 6 Folly is set in great dignity, and the rich sit in low place. 7
I have seen servants upon horses, and princes walking as servants upon
the earth. 8 He that diggeth a pit shall fall into it; and whoso
breaketh an hedge, a serpent shall bite him. 9 Whoso removeth stones
shall be hurt therewith; [and] he that cleaveth wood shall be endangered
thereby. 10 If the iron be blunt, and he do not whet the edge, then must
he put to more strength: but wisdom [is] profitable to direct. 11 Surely
the serpent will bite without enchantment; and a babbler is no better.”
“12 The words of a wise man’s mouth [are] gracious; but the lips of a
fool will swallow up himself. 13 The beginning of the words of his mouth
[is] foolishness: and the end of his talk [is] mischievous madness. 14 A
fool also is full of words: a man cannot tell what shall be; and what
shall be after him, who can tell him? 15 The labour of the foolish
wearieth every one of them, because he knoweth not how to go to the
city.”
“16 Woe to thee, O land, when thy king [is] a child, and thy princes
eat in the morning! 17 Blessed [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 By much slothfulness the building decayeth; and
through idleness of the hands the house droppeth through. 19 A feast is
made for laughter, and wine maketh merry: but money answereth all
[things]. 20 Curse not the king, no not in thy thought; and curse not
the rich in thy bedchamber: for a bird of the air shall carry the voice,
and that which hath wings shall tell the matter.” (Ecclesiastes 10:1-20
AV)