CHAPTER 10
1A dead fly makes the perfumer’s oil chalice stink. Heavier than weighty wisdom is a bit of folly. 2A wise man’s mind is at his right, and the fool’s mind at his left. 3Even when the fool walks on the road, his mind is absent, and it says to all, he is a fool. 4If the ruler’s mood goes against you, do not leave your place, for calmness puts great offenses to rest. 5There is an evil I have seen under the sun, a true error that comes forth from the person in power. 6Folly is set on great heights, and the rich dwell down below. 7I have seen slaves on horses and noblemen walking like slaves on the ground. 8He who digs a pit will fall in it, and he who breaches a wall, a snake will bite him. 9He who moves stones will be hurt by them, and he who splits wood is endangered by it. 10If the iron is dull and he has not honed its edge, he will exert great effort. And the advantage of skill is wisdom. 11If a snake bites with no snake-charm, there is no advantage for the expert of incantations. 12The words of a wise man’s mouth bring favor, and the lips of a fool bring him ruin. 13The first of the words of his mouth are folly, and the last of them evil revelry. 14And the fool speaks many words. Man knows not what will be, and what will be after him, who can tell him? 15The toil of a fool wears him out, so that he knows not how to go to town. 16Woe to you, land, whose king is a lackey, and your princes dine in the morning. 17Happy are you, land, whose king is a noble, and your princes dine in fit time, in manliness, not in drunkenness. 18Through sloth the roof-beam sags, and through slack hands the house leaks. 19For food is set out for merriment and wine that gladdens the living. And money keeps everyone busy. 20Even on your couch revile not a king, and in your sleeping chambers revile not a rich man, for the fowl of the heavens will carry the sound and the wingèd thing will tell the word.