Wisdom and Folly

1Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking smell: so does a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honor. 2A wise man's heart is at his right hand; but a fool's heart at his left. 3Yes also, when he that is a fool walks by the way, his wisdom fails him, and he said to every one that he is a fool. 4If the spirit of the ruler rise up against you, leave not your place; for yielding pacifies great offenses.

5There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, as an error which proceeds from the ruler: 6Folly is set in great dignity, and the rich sit in low place. 7I have seen servants on horses, and princes walking as servants on the earth.

8He that digs a pit shall fall into it; and whoever breaks an hedge, a serpent shall bite him. 9Whoever removes stones shall be hurt therewith; and he that splits 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. 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 labor of the foolish wearies every one of them, because he knows not how to go to the city. 16Woe to you, O land, when your king is a child, and your princes eat in the morning! 17Blessed are you, O land, when your king is the son of nobles, and your princes eat in due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness! 18By much slothfulness the building decays; and through idleness of the hands the house drops through. 19A feast is made for laughter, and wine makes merry: but money answers all things. 20Curse not the king, no not in your thought; and curse not the rich in your bedchamber: for a bird of the air shall carry the voice, and that which has wings shall tell the matter.