1Dead 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 . 2A wise man’s heart is at his right hand ; but a fool’s heart at his left . 3Yea 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 .
The Nature of Authority
4If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place ; for yielding pacifieth great offences . 5There is an evil which I have seen under the sun , as an error which proceedeth from the ruler : 6Folly is set in great dignity , and the rich sit in low place . 7I have seen servants upon horses , and princes walking as servants upon the earth .
The Dangers of Laziness
8He that diggeth a pit shall fall into it; and whoso breaketh an hedge , a serpent shall bite him. 9Whoso removeth stones shall be hurt therewith; and he that cleaveth wood shall be endangered thereby. 10If the iron be blunt , and he do not whet the edge , then must he put to more strength : but wisdom is profitable to direct . 11Surely the serpent will bite without enchantment ; and a babbler is no better .
The Power of Words
12The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious ; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself. 13The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness : and the end of his talk is mischievous madness . 14A fool also is full of words : a man cannot tell what shall be; and what shall be after him, who can tell him? 15The labour of the foolish wearieth every one of them, because he knoweth not how to go to the city . 16Woe to thee, O land , when thy king is a child , and thy princes eat in the morning ! 17Blessed 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 ! 18By much slothfulness the building decayeth ; and through idleness of the hands the house droppeth through . 19A feast is made for laughter , and wine maketh merry : but money answereth all things . 20Curse 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 .