1. Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour: likewise a small act of folly unto him that is esteemed for wisdom and honour.
2. A wise man’s heart is at his right hand, but a fool’s heart at his left.
3. Even when the fool walks by the way, he lacks prudence, and he says unto every one that he is a fool.
4. If the spirit of the ruler rises up against thee, do not leave thy place; for meekness pacifies great sins.
5. There is another evil which I have seen under the sun, as an error which proceeds from the ruler:
6. Folly is set in great dignity, and the rich are seated in a low place.
7. I saw slaves upon horses, and princes walking as slaves upon the earth.
8. He that digs a pit shall fall into it, and whosoever breaks a hedge, a serpent shall bite him.
9. Whosoever moves the stones shall have tribulation along with it, and he that cuts the firewood shall be endangered by it.
10. If the iron is blunt, and he does not whet the edge, then he must put forth more strength, but the advantages of wisdom excel.
11. If the serpent bites without being enchanted, then the babbler is no more.
Read complete chapter Ecclesiastes, Or The Preacher (Of Solomon) 10