Ecclesiastes 10
- 1
As dead flies bring a stench to the perfumer’s oil, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor. Begin Abide·
- 2
A wise man’s heart inclines to the right, but the heart of a fool to the left. Begin Abide·
- 3
Even as the fool walks along the road, his sense is lacking, and he shows everyone that he is a fool. Begin Abide·
- 4
If the ruler’s temper flares against you, do not abandon your post, for calmness lays great offenses to rest. Begin Abide·
- 5
There is an evil I have seen under the sun—an error that proceeds from the ruler: Begin Abide·
- 6
Folly is appointed to great heights, but the rich sit in lowly positions. Begin Abide·
- 7
I have seen slaves on horseback, while princes go on foot like slaves. Begin Abide·
- 8
He who digs a pit may fall into it, and he who breaches a wall may be bitten by a snake. Begin Abide·
- 9
The one who quarries stones may be injured by them, and he who splits logs endangers himself. Begin Abide·
- 10
If the axe is dull and the blade unsharpened, more strength must be exerted, but skill produces success. Begin Abide·
- 11
If the snake bites before it is charmed, there is no profit for the charmer. Begin Abide·
- 12
The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool consume him. Begin Abide·
- 13
The beginning of his talk is folly, and the end of his speech is evil madness. Begin Abide·
- 14
Yet the fool multiplies words. No one knows what is coming, and who can tell him what will come after him? Begin Abide·
- 15
The toil of a fool wearies him, for he does not know the way to the city. Begin Abide·
- 16
Woe to you, O land whose king is a youth, and whose princes feast in the morning. Begin Abide·
- 17
Blessed are you, O land whose king is a son of nobles, and whose princes feast at the proper time—for strength and not for drunkenness. Begin Abide·
- 18
Through laziness the roof caves in, and in the hands of the idle, the house leaks. Begin Abide·
- 19
A feast is prepared for laughter, and wine makes life merry, but money is the answer for everything. Begin Abide·
- 20
Do not curse the king even in your thoughts, or curse the rich even in your bedroom, for a bird of the air may carry your words, and a winged creature may report your speech. Begin Abide·