16
Alas for you, O land, when your king is a servant, and your princes feast in the morning!
17
Happy are you, O land, when your king is a nobleman, and your princes feast at the proper time— for strength, and not for drunkenness!
18
Through sloth the roof sinks in, and through indolence the house leaks.
19
Feasts are made for laughter; wine gladdens life, and money meets every need.
20
Do not curse the king, even in your thoughts, or curse the rich, even in your bedroom; for a bird of the air may carry your voice, or some winged creature tell the matter.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.