Ecclesiastes 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.NHEB — Ecclesiastes 10:1

2 A wise man's heart is at his right hand, but a fool's heart at his left.NHEB — Ecclesiastes 10:2

3 Yes also, when the fool walks by the way, his understanding fails him, and he says to everyone that he is a fool.NHEB — Ecclesiastes 10:3

4 If the spirit of the ruler rises up against you, do not leave your place; for gentleness lays great offenses to rest.NHEB — Ecclesiastes 10:4

5 There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, the sort of error which proceeds from the ruler.NHEB — Ecclesiastes 10:5

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

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

8 He who digs a pit may fall into it; and whoever breaks through a wall may be bitten by a serpent.NHEB — Ecclesiastes 10:8

9 Whoever carves out stones may be injured by them. Whoever splits wood may be endangered thereby.NHEB — Ecclesiastes 10:9

10 If the axe is blunt, and one doesn't sharpen the edge, then he must use more strength; but skill brings success.NHEB — Ecclesiastes 10:10

11 If the serpent bites before it is charmed, then is there no profit for the charmer's tongue.NHEB — Ecclesiastes 10:11

12 The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious; but a fool is swallowed by his own lips.NHEB — Ecclesiastes 10:12

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

14 A fool also multiplies words. Man doesn't know what will be; and that which will be after him, who can tell him?NHEB — Ecclesiastes 10:14

15 The labor of fools wearies every one of them; for he doesn't know how to go to the city.NHEB — Ecclesiastes 10:15

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

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

18 By slothfulness the roof sinks in; and through idleness of the hands the house leaks.NHEB — Ecclesiastes 10:18

19 A feast is made for laughter, and wine makes the life glad; and money is the answer for all things.NHEB — Ecclesiastes 10:19

20 Do not curse the king, no, not in your thoughts; and do not curse the rich in your bedchamber: for a bird of the sky may carry your voice, and that which has wings may tell the matter.NHEB — Ecclesiastes 10:20