Ecclesiastes 10

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