| |
New International Version |   | |
 |
| |
| | Ecc 10:1 | As dead flies give perfume a bad smell, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor.
| |
| | Ecc 10:2 | The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but the heart of the fool to the left.
| |
| | Ecc 10:3 | Even as he walks along the road, the fool lacks sense and shows everyone how stupid he is.
| |
| | Ecc 10:4 | If a ruler's anger rises against you, do not leave your post; calmness can lay great errors to rest.
| |
| | Ecc 10:5 | There is an evil I have seen under the sun, the sort of error that arises from a ruler:
| |
| | Ecc 10:6 | Fools are put in many high positions, while the rich occupy the low ones.
| |
| | Ecc 10:7 | I have seen slaves on horseback, while princes go on foot like slaves.
| |
| | Ecc 10:8 | Whoever digs a pit may fall into it; whoever breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake.
| |
| | Ecc 10:9 | Whoever quarries stones may be injured by them; whoever splits logs may be endangered by them.
| |
| | Ecc 10:10 | If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed but skill will bring success.
| |
| | Ecc 10:11 | If a snake bites before it is charmed, there is no profit for the charmer.
| |
| | Ecc 10:12 | Words from a wise man's mouth are gracious, but a fool is consumed by his own lips.
| |
| | Ecc 10:13 | At the beginning his words are folly; at the end they are wicked madness--
| |
| | Ecc 10:14 | and the fool multiplies words. No one knows what is coming-- who can tell him what will happen after him?
| |
| | Ecc 10:15 | A fool's work wearies him; he does not know the way to town.
| |
| | Ecc 10:16 | Woe to you, O land whose king was a servant and whose princes feast in the morning.
| |
| | Ecc 10:17 | Blessed are you, O land whose king is of noble birth and whose princes eat at a proper time-- for strength and not for drunkenness.
| |
| | Ecc 10:18 | If a man is lazy, the rafters sag; if his hands are idle, the house leaks.
| |
| | Ecc 10:19 | A feast is made for laughter, and wine makes life merry, but money is the answer for everything.
| |
| | Ecc 10:20 | Do not revile the king even in your thoughts, or curse the rich in your bedroom, because a bird of the air may carry your words, and a bird on the wing may report what you say.
| |
