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