Ecclesiastes 10

ECB(i) 1 Dead flies gush and stink the ointment of the perfumer; more esteemed than wisdom and honor - a little folly. 2 The heart of the wise is at his right; and the heart of a fool at his left: 3 yes also, when a fool walks by the way, his heart fails, and he says to every one that he is a fool. 4 If the spirit of the sovereign ascends against you, leave not your place; for healing allows great sins. 5 There is an evil I saw under the sun - an inadvertent error proceeding from the face of the potentate; 6 folly is given in great heights and the rich settle in lowliness. 7 I saw servants on horses and governors walking as servants on the earth. 8 Whoever digs a pit, falls therein; and whoever breaches a wall, a serpent bites: 9 whoever plucks stones is contorted thereby; and whoever splits timber is cut thereby. 10 If the iron be dull and he sharpens not the face, then he must prevail mightily with valour; and wisdom advantages to prosper. 11 If the serpent bites without enchantment; a master of tongue advantages not. 12 The words of the mouth of the wise have charism; and the lips of a fool swallow. 13 The beginning of the words of his mouth, folly; and the finality of his talk, evil madness. 14 A fool abounds words; humanity knows not what; and what is after him? Who can tell? 15 Toil belabors the foolish, because they know not how to go to the city. 16 Woe to you, O land, when your sovereign is a lad and your governors eat in the morning! 17 Blithe - you, O land, when your sovereign is the son of nobles and your governors eat on time - for might and not for drinking! 18 By much sloth the framing subdues; and through idleness of hands the house drops through. 19 Work the bread for laughter and wine to cheer the life; and silver answers for all. 20 Neither abase the sovereign; nor abase the rich in your bedchamber; for a flyer of the heavens carries the voice and the master of wings tells the word.