Ecclesiastes 10

1 Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking smell: so does a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honor.AKJV — Ecclesiastes 10:1

2 A wise man’ heart is at his right hand; but a fool’ heart at his left.AKJV — Ecclesiastes 10:2

3 Yes also, when he that is a fool walks by the way, his wisdom fails him, and he said to every one that he is a fool.AKJV — Ecclesiastes 10:3

4 If the spirit of the ruler rise up against you, leave not your place; for yielding pacifies great offenses.AKJV — Ecclesiastes 10:4

5 There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, as an error which proceeds from the ruler:AKJV — Ecclesiastes 10:5

6 Folly is set in great dignity, and the rich sit in low place.AKJV — Ecclesiastes 10:6

7 I have seen servants on horses, and princes walking as servants on the earth.AKJV — Ecclesiastes 10:7

8 He that digs a pit shall fall into it; and whoever breaks an hedge, a serpent shall bite him.AKJV — Ecclesiastes 10:8

9 Whoever removes stones shall be hurt therewith; and he that splits wood shall be endangered thereby.AKJV — Ecclesiastes 10:9

10 If the iron be blunt, and he do not whet the edge, then must he put to more strength: but wisdom is profitable to direct.AKJV — Ecclesiastes 10:10

11 Surely the serpent will bite without enchantment; and a babbler is no better.AKJV — Ecclesiastes 10:11

12 The words of a wise man’ mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself.AKJV — Ecclesiastes 10:12

13 The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness: and the end of his talk is mischievous madness.AKJV — Ecclesiastes 10:13

14 A fool also is full of words: a man cannot tell what shall be; and what shall be after him, who can tell him?AKJV — Ecclesiastes 10:14

15 The labor of the foolish wearies every one of them, because he knows not how to go to the city.AKJV — Ecclesiastes 10:15

16 Woe to you, O land, when your king is a child, and your princes eat in the morning!AKJV — Ecclesiastes 10:16

17 Blessed are you, O land, when your king is the son of nobles, and your princes eat in due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness!AKJV — Ecclesiastes 10:17

18 By much slothfulness the building decays; and through idleness of the hands the house drops through.AKJV — Ecclesiastes 10:18

19 A feast is made for laughter, and wine makes merry: but money answers all things.AKJV — Ecclesiastes 10:19

20 Curse not the king, no not in your thought; and curse not the rich in your bedchamber: for a bird of the air shall carry the voice, and that which has wings shall tell the matter.AKJV — Ecclesiastes 10:20