1. DEAD FLIES cause the ointment of the perfumer to putrefy [and] send forth a vile odor; so does a little folly [in him who is valued for wisdom] outweigh wisdom and honor.
2. A wise man's heart turns him toward his right hand, but a fool's heart toward his left. [Matt. 25:31-41.]
3. Even when he who is a fool walks along the road, his heart and understanding fail him, and he says of everyone and to everyone that he is a fool.
4. If the temper of the ruler rises up against you, do not leave your place [or show a resisting spirit]; for gentleness and calmness prevent or put a stop to great offenses.
5. There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, like an error which proceeds from the ruler:
6. Folly is set in great dignity and in high places, and the rich sit in low places.
7. I have seen slaves on horses, and princes walking like slaves on the earth.
8. He who digs a pit [for others] will fall into it, and whoever breaks through a fence or a [stone] wall, a serpent will bite him. [Ps. 57:6.]