1As dead flies bring a stench to the perfumer’s oil,
2A wise man’s heart inclines to the right,
3Even as the fool walks along the road, his sense is lacking,
4If the ruler’s temper flares against you, do not abandon your post,
5There is an evil I have seen under the sun—
6Folly is appointed to great heights,
7I have seen slaves on horseback,
8He who digs a pit may fall into it,
9The one who quarries stones may be injured by them,
10If the axe is dull and the blade unsharpened,
11If the snake bites before it is charmed,
12The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious,
13The beginning of his talk is folly,
14Yet the fool multiplies words.
15The toil of a fool wearies him,
16Woe to you, O land whose king is a youth,10:16 Or a servant
17Blessed are you, O land whose king is a son of nobles,
18Through laziness the roof caves in,
19A feast is prepared for laughter, and wine makes life merry,
20Do not curse the king even in your thoughts,