A few dead flies cause the oil of the perfumer to send forth a stinking odor.
So does a little folly in him with a reputation for wisdom and honor.
10:2
A wise man's heart is at his right hand, but a fool's heart is at his left.
10:3
Even when a fool walks about, he has no sense of himself.
His foolishness is on display for all to see.
10:4
If the spirit of the ruler rises up against you, do not quit your post.
Quiet composure pacifies great offences.
10:5
There is an evil I have seen under the sun,
an error that proceeds from the ruler:
10:6
Fools are set in great dignity, while the rich are set in low places.
10:7
I have seen servants upon horses, and princes walking as servants.
10:8
He who digs a pit shall fall into it.
He who cuts through a hedge shall be bitten by a serpent.
10:9
He who quarries stones shall be hurt by them.
He who chops wood shall be endangered by it.
10:10
If the iron is blunt and you do not sharpen the edge,
you must use more strength. Wisdom is a profitable guide to success.
10:11
If the serpent bites before enchantment, what use is the charmer?
10:12
The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious.
The mouth of a fool will swallow him up.
10:13
He begins by talking nonsense, and by the end is speaking madness.
10:14
A fool is full of many words.
A man cannot know what shall be, or what shall come after him.
But who can tell that to a fool?
10:15
The labor of fools wears them out.
They cannot even find their way back to town.
10:16
Woe to you, O land, when your king is a child
and your princes feast until morning!
10:17
Blessed are you, O land, when your king is the son of nobles,
and your princes eat in due season – for strength not for drunkenness!
10:18
By much slothfulness the building decays.
Through idleness of the hands the roof collapses.
10:19
A feast is made for laughter, wine makes one merry,
and money is the answer to all things.
10:20
Curse not the king, not even in thought, and curse not the rich in your bed.
For a bird of the air may carry your voice, and the matter be told on wings.