1As dead flies cause the perfumers ointment to stink and ferment; so does a little folly to one esteemed for wisdom and honor. 2A wise mans heart is at his right hand; but a fools heart at his left. 3Even when a fool walks along the way, his heart fails; and he says to everyone that he is a fool. 4If the spirit of the ruler rises up against you, remain quietly where you are; for quietness heals great offenses. 5There is an evil I have seen under the sun, like an error which comes from a rulers presence: 6Folly is set in great dignity, and the rich sit in a low place. 7I have seen servants on horses, and princes walking on the ground like servants. 8He who digs a pit may fall into it; and whoever breaks through a hedge may be bitten by a snake. 9Whoever removes stones may be hurt by them; and he who splits wood may be endangered by it. 10If the iron is blunt, and he does not whet the edge, then he must exert more strength. But wisdom gives excellent success. 11The snake may bite if it is not charmed; and a master of the tongue is no better. 12The words of a wise mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow him up. 13The words of his mouth begin with foolishness; and the end of his talk is wicked madness. 14A fool also multiplies words; a man does not know what shall be; and who can tell him what shall be after him? 15The labor of fools wearies him, because he does not even know how to go to the city. 16Woe to you, O land, when your king is a child, and your rulers eat in the morning. 17Blessed are you, O land, when your king is the son of nobles, and your rulers eat at the proper time, for strength, and not for drunkenness! 18Because of laziness the building decays; and through idleness of hands the house leaks. 19Food is made for laughter, and wine makes merry; but money is the answer to everything. 20Do not curse the king, not even in your thoughts; and do not curse the rich, not even in your bedroom; for a bird of the air may carry the voice, and that which has wings shall tell the matter.