1 Dead flies cause the oil of the perfumer to gush forth an evil odor; [so] does a little folly outweigh wisdom and honor.2 A wise man's heart is at his right hand; but a fool's heart is at his left.3 Yes also, when the fool walks by the way, his understanding fails him, and he says to everyone [that] he is a fool.4 If the spirit of the ruler rises up against you, don't leave your place; for gentleness allays great offenses.5 There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, as it were an unintentional [error] which proceeds from the ruler:6 folly is set in great dignity, and the rich sit in a low place.7 I have seen slaves on horses, and princes walking like slaves on the earth.8 He who digs a pit will fall into it; and whoever breaks through a wall, a serpent will bite him.9 Whoever cuts out stones will be hurt with them; [and] he who splits wood is endangered by it.10 If the iron is blunt, and one does not whet the edge, then he must use more strength: but wisdom is profitable to direct.11 If the serpent bites before it is charmed, then is there no advantage to the master of the tongue.12 The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself.13 The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness; and the end of his talk is mischievous madness.14 A fool also multiplies words: [yet] man doesn't know what will be; and that which will be after him, who can tell him?15 The labor of fools wearies every one of them; for he doesn't know how to go to the city.16 Woe to you, O land, when your king is a child, and your princes eat in the morning!17 You are happy, O land, when your king is the son of nobles, and your princes eat in due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness!18 By slothfulness the roof sinks in; and through idleness of the hands the house leaks.19 A feast is made for laughter, and wine makes glad the life; and money answers all things.20 Don't revile the king, no, not in your thought; and don't revile the rich in your bedchamber: for a bird of the heavens will carry the voice, and that which has wings will tell the matter.