1 As dead flies cause the perfumer’s ointment to stink, so also does a little foolishness to one’s reputation of wisdom and honor. ISV — Ecclesiastes 10:1
2 A wise man’s heart tends toward his right, but a fool’s heart tends toward his left. ISV — Ecclesiastes 10:2
3 Furthermore, the way a fool lives shows he has no sense; he proclaims to everyone that he’s a fool. ISV — Ecclesiastes 10:3
4 If your overseer gets angry at you, don’t resign, because calmness pacifies great offenses. ISV — Ecclesiastes 10:4
5 Here’s another tragedy that I’ve observed on earth, a kind of error that comes from an overseer: ISV — Ecclesiastes 10:5
6 Foolishness is given great honor, while the prosperous sit in lowly places. a10:6 The Heb. lacks places ISV — Ecclesiastes 10:6
7 And I have observed servants riding b10:7 The Heb. lacks riding on horses, while princes walk on the ground like servants. ISV — Ecclesiastes 10:7
8 Whoever digs a pit may fall into it, and whoever breaks through a wall may suffer a snake bite. ISV — Ecclesiastes 10:8
9 Someone who quarries stone might be injured; someone splitting logs can fall into danger. ISV — Ecclesiastes 10:9
10 If someone’s ax is blunt—the edge isn’t sharpened— then more strength will be needed. Putting wisdom to work will bring success. ISV — Ecclesiastes 10:10
11 If a serpent strikes despite being charmed, there’s no point in being a snake charmer. ISV — Ecclesiastes 10:11
12 The words spoken by the wise are gracious, but the lips of a fool will devour him. ISV — Ecclesiastes 10:12
13 He begins his speech with foolishness, and concludes it with evil madness. ISV — Ecclesiastes 10:13
14 The fool overflows with words, and no one can predict what will happen. As to what will happen after him, who can explain it? ISV — Ecclesiastes 10:14
15 The work of a fool so wears him out that he can’t even find his way to town. ISV — Ecclesiastes 10:15
16 Woe to the land whose king is a youth and whose princes feast in the morning. ISV — Ecclesiastes 10:16
17 That land is blessed whose king is of noble birth, whose princes feast at the right time, for strength, and not to become drunk. ISV — Ecclesiastes 10:17
18 Through slothfulness the roof deteriorates, and a house leaks because of idleness. ISV — Ecclesiastes 10:18
19 Festivals are for laughter, wine makes life pleasant, and money speaks to everything. ISV — Ecclesiastes 10:19
20 Do not curse the king, even in your thoughts. Do not curse the rich, even in your bedroom. For a bird will fly by and tell what you say, or something with wings may talk about it. ISV — Ecclesiastes 10:20