1Dead flies cause the perfumer’s oil to smell. A little foolishness does the same for the one with a reputation for wisdom and honor. 2A wise man's heart is at his right hand and a fool's heart at his left. 3When he who is a fool walks along the path, his wisdom fails him, and he says to every one that he is a fool. 4If the temper of the ruler rises up against you do not withdraw from him for gentleness can put a stop to great offenses. 5There is an evil that I have seen under the sun. It is like an error that proceeds from the ruler. 6Craziness is set in many exalted places, and the rich sit in low places. 7I have seen servants upon horses, and princes walking like servants upon the earth. 8He that digs a pit will fall into it. A serpent will bite whoever breaks through a hedge. 9Whoever removes landmark stones will be hurt. They will endanger the one who cuts down trees. 10If the ax is dull, and he does not whet the edge, he must put forth more effort. Wisdom helps him to succeed. 11Surely the serpent will bite without enchantment. A slanderer is no better than an uncharmed snake. 12The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself. 13The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness. The result of his talk is mischievous madness. 14A fool also is full of words. A man cannot predict what will be and what will be after him. Who can tell him? 15The labor of the foolish wearies everyone of them, because he does not know how to go to the city. 16Woe to you, O land, when your king is a child and your princes eat in the morning! 17You are blessed, O land, when your king is the son of nobles and your princes eat in due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness! 18By indolence the building decays; and through idleness of the hands the house collapses. 19A feast is made for laughter and wine makes merry, but money answers all things. 20Do not curse the king, no not even in thought. Do not curse the rich in your bedchamber for a bird of the air will carry the voice, and that which has wings will tell the matter.