Ecclesiastes 10:1
As dead flies bring a stench to the perfumer’s oil, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor.
Ecclesiastes 10:2
A wise man’s heart inclines to the right, but the heart of a fool to the left.
Ecclesiastes 10:3
Even as the fool walks along the road, his sense is lacking, and he shows everyone that he is a fool.
Ecclesiastes 10:4
If the ruler’s temper flares against you, do not abandon your post, for calmness lays great offenses to rest.
Ecclesiastes 10:5
There is an evil I have seen under the sun—an error that proceeds from the ruler:
Ecclesiastes 10:6
Folly is appointed to great heights, but the rich sit in lowly positions.
Ecclesiastes 10:7
I have seen slaves on horseback, while princes go on foot like slaves.
Ecclesiastes 10:8
He who digs a pit may fall into it, and he who breaches a wall may be bitten by a snake.
Ecclesiastes 10:9
The one who quarries stones may be injured by them, and he who splits logs endangers himself.
Ecclesiastes 10:10
If the axe is dull and the blade unsharpened, more strength must be exerted, but skill produces success.
Ecclesiastes 10:11
If the snake bites before it is charmed, there is no profit for the charmer.
Ecclesiastes 10:12
The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool consume him.
Ecclesiastes 10:13
The beginning of his talk is folly, and the end of his speech is evil madness.
Ecclesiastes 10:14
Yet the fool multiplies words. No one knows what is coming, and who can tell him what will come after him?
Ecclesiastes 10:15
The toil of a fool wearies him, for he does not know the way to the city.
Ecclesiastes 10:16
Woe to you, O land whose king is a youth, and whose princes feast in the morning.
Ecclesiastes 10:17
Blessed are you, O land whose king is a son of nobles, and whose princes feast at the proper time—for strength and not for drunkenness.
Ecclesiastes 10:18
Through laziness the roof caves in, and in the hands of the idle, the house leaks.
Ecclesiastes 10:19
A feast is prepared for laughter, and wine makes life merry, but money is the answer for everything.
Ecclesiastes 10:20
Do not curse the king even in your thoughts, or curse the rich even in your bedroom, for a bird of the air may carry your words, and a winged creature may report your speech.