Ecclesiastes 10:1–11

As dead flies give perfume a bad smell,

so a little follyy outweighs wisdom and honor.

2 The heart of the wise inclines to the right,

but the heart of the fool to the left.

3 Even as fools walk along the road,

they lack sense

and show everyonez how stupid they are.

4 If a ruler’s anger rises against you,

do not leave your post;a

calmness can lay great offenses to rest.b

5 There is an evil I have seen under the sun,

the sort of error that arises from a ruler:

6 Fools are put in many high positions,c

while the rich occupy the low ones.

7 I have seen slaves on horseback,

while princes go on foot like slaves.d

8 Whoever digs a pit may fall into it;e

whoever breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake.f

9 Whoever quarries stones may be injured by them;

whoever splits logs may be endangered by them.g

10 If the ax is dull

and its edge unsharpened,

more strength is needed,

but skill will bring success.

11 If a snake bites before it is charmed,

the charmer receives no fee.h