Ecclesiastes 9:13–10:4

13 I have also seen this example of wisdom under the sun, and it seemed great to me. 14 There was a little city with few men in it, and a great king came against it and besieged it, building great siegeworks against it. 15 But there was found in it za poor, wise man, and he by his awisdom delivered the city. Yet no one remembered that poor man. 16 But I say that bwisdom is better than might, though cthe poor man’s wisdom is despised and his words are not heard.

17 The words of the wise heard in dquiet are better than the shouting of a ruler among fools. 18 eWisdom is better than weapons of war, but fone sinner destroys much good.

10 Dead flies make gthe perfumer’s ointment give off a stench;

so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor.

2  hA wise man’s heart inclines him to the right,

but a fool’s heart to the left.

3  Even when the fool walks on the road, he lacks sense,

and he isays to everyone that he is a fool.

4  If the anger of the ruler rises against you, jdo not leave your place,

kfor calmness1 will lay great offenses to rest.