| Chapter 10 |
1 | Dead flies cause the oil of the perfumer to send forth an evil odor; so does a little folly outweigh wisdom and honor.
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2 | A wise man's heart is at his right hand, but a fool's heart at his left.
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3 | Yes also, when the fool walks by the way, his understanding fails him, and he says to everyone that he is a fool.
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4 | If the spirit of the ruler rises up against you, don't leave your place; for gentleness lays great offenses to rest.
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5 | There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, the sort of error which proceeds from the ruler.
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6 | Folly is set in great dignity, and the rich sit in a low place.
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7 | I have seen servants on horses, and princes walking like servants on the earth.
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8 | He who digs a pit may fall into it; and whoever breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake.
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9 | Whoever carves out stones may be injured by them. Whoever splits wood may be endangered thereby.
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10 | If the ax is blunt, and one doesn't sharpen the edge, then he must use more strength; but skill brings success.
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11 | If the snake bites before it is charmed, then is there no profit for the charmer's tongue.
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12 | The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious; but a fool is swallowed by his own lips.
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13 | The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness; and the end of his talk is mischievous madness.
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14 | A fool also multiplies words. Man doesn't know what will be; and that which will be after him, who can tell him?
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15 | The labor of fools wearies every one of them; for he doesn't know how to go to the city.
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16 | Woe to you, land, when your king is a child, And your princes eat in the morning!
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17 | Happy are you, land, when your king is the son of nobles, And your princes eat in due season, For strength, and not for drunkenness!
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18 | By slothfulness the roof sinks in; And through idleness of the hands the house leaks.
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19 | A feast is made for laughter, And wine makes the life glad; And money is the answer for all things.
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20 | Don't revile the king, no, not in your thoughts; And don't revile the rich in your bedchamber: For a bird of the sky may carry your voice, And that which has wings may tell the matter.
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