Ecclesiastes 10:1–11

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.

5 There is an evil that I have seen under the sun, as it were lan error proceeding from the ruler: 6 mfolly is set in many high places, and the rich sit in a low place. 7 nI have seen slaves oon horses, and princes walking on the ground like slaves.

8  He who pdigs a pit will fall into it,

and qa serpent will bite him who breaks through a wall.

9  rHe who quarries stones is hurt by them,

and he who ssplits logs is endangered by them.

10  If the iron is blunt, and one does not sharpen the edge,

he must use more strength,

but wisdom helps one to succeed.2

11  If the serpent bites before it is tcharmed,

there is no advantage to the charmer.