1. Dead flies cause the oil of the perfumer to produce an evil odor; so does a little folly outweigh wisdom and honor.
2. A wise man’s heart is at his right hand, but a fool’s heart at his left.
3. Yes also, when the fool walks by the way, his understanding fails him, and he says to everyone that he is a fool.
4. If the spirit of the ruler rises up against you, don’t leave your place; for gentleness lays great offenses to rest.
5. There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, the sort of error which proceeds from the ruler.
6. Folly is set in great dignity, and the rich sit in a low place.
7. I have seen servants on horses, and princes walking like servants on the earth.
8. He who digs a pit may fall into it; and whoever breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake.
9. Whoever carves out stones may be injured by them. Whoever splits wood may be endangered thereby.