THE BOOK OF ECCLESIASTES

Ecclesiastes Chapter 10

1 ¶ Dead flies cause a perfumers ointment to putrefy and stink: so does a little folly on the part of one who has a reputation for wisdom and honor.

2 A wise man’s heart turns to the right; but a fool’s heart to the left.

3 Even when one who is a fool walks along the road, his wisdom fails, and he tells every one that he is a fool.

4 ¶ When a ruler’s anger rises against you, do not forget your place; for yielding pacifies great offences.

5 There is an evil that I have seen under the sun, an error often made by rulers:

6 The foolish are given high positions, and the rich sit in a low place.

7 I have seen servants on horses, and princes walking on the ground like servants.

8 He who digs a pit may fall into it; and if you break through a stone wall, a snake may bite you.

9 Whoever removes stones may get hurt; and he who splits wood may be injured.

10 If the axe is blunt, and he does not sharpen the edge, then he must use more strength: but wisdom can help you do better.

11 Surely a serpent will bite before it is charmed; and a babbler is no better.

12 ¶ The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will consume him.

13 He begins by talking foolishness: and ends by speaking evil madness.

14 A fool talks a lot: when no one knows what lies ahead; who can tell him what will happen after he is gone?

15 The toil of a fool wearies him, so that he does not know how to get to the city.

16 ¶ Woe to the country, where the king is a child, and the high officials feast in the morning!

17 Blessed is the land, when the king is a son of nobles, and the officials eat at the proper time, for strength, and not for drunkenness!

18 Through idleness the house leaks, and through great laziness the rafters decay and the roof sinks.

19 A feast is made for laughter, and wine makes life merry: but money is the answer for everything.

20 Do not curse the king, even in your thoughts; and do not curse the rich in your bedchamber: because a bird of the air may carry the news, and that which has wings may report it.