1
Dead flies make the perfumer’s oil stink and ferment. So a little foolishness outweighs wisdom and honor.
2
The heart of the wise is toward his right hand, but the heart of the fool toward his left.
3
Even when a fool walks along the way, his heart lacks understanding, and he makes known to everyone that he is a fool.
4
If the ruach of a ruler rises against you, do not leave your place, for calmness sets great offenses to rest.
5
There is an evil I have seen under the sun, like an error that goes forth from before a ruler:
6
foolishness is set in many high places, while the rich sit in low places.
7
I have seen servants upon horses, and rulers walking upon the earth like servants.
8
The one who digs a pit may fall into it, and the one who breaks through a wall may be bitten by a serpent.
9
The one who removes stones may be hurt by them, and the one who splits wood may be endangered by it.
10
If the iron is blunt, and one does not sharpen the edge, then he must increase his strength. But wisdom brings success.
11
If the serpent bites before it is charmed, there is no profit to the master of the tongue.
12
The words of a wise ish’s mouth are favor, but the lips of a fool swallow him.
13
The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness, and the end of his speech is evil madness.
14
Yet the fool multiplies words. Adam does not know what shall be, and what shall be after him— who can tell him?
15
The labor of fools wearies them, because they do not know how to go to the city.
16
Woe to you, O land, when your king is a youth, and your rulers feast in the morning.
17
Blessed are you, O land, when your king is the son of nobles, and your rulers eat at the proper time, for strength and not for drunkenness.
18
Through much laziness the roof sinks, and through idleness of the hands the house leaks.
19
Bread is made for laughter, and wine makes life rejoice, but silver answers everything.
20
Even in your thought, do not curse a king, and in your bedchamber do not curse the rich, for a bird of the heavens may carry the voice, and a winged creature may make known the matter.