| The Darby Translation (DBY) |
New International Version (NIV) |
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1 Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to stink [and] ferment; [so] a little folly is weightier than wisdom [and] honour.
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1 As dead flies give perfume a bad smell, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor.
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2 The heart of a wise [man] is at his right hand; but a fool's heart at his left.
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2 The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but the heart of the fool to the left.
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3 Yea also, when he that is a fool walketh by the way, his sense faileth [him], and he saith to every one [that] he is a fool.
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3 Even as he walks along the road, the fool lacks sense and shows everyone how stupid he is.
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4 If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for quietness pacifieth great offences.
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4 If a ruler's anger rises against you, do not leave your post; calmness can lay great errors to rest.
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5 There is an evil that I have seen under the sun, as an error [that] proceedeth from the ruler:
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5 There is an evil I have seen under the sun, the sort of error that arises from a ruler:
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6 folly is set in great dignities, but the rich sit in a low place.
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6 Fools are put in many high positions, while the rich occupy the low ones.
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7 I have seen servants upon horses, and princes walking as servants upon the earth.
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7 I have seen slaves on horseback, while princes go on foot like slaves.
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8 He that diggeth a pit falleth into it; and whoso breaketh down a hedge, a serpent biteth him.
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8 Whoever digs a pit may fall into it; whoever breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake.
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9 Whoso removeth stones is hurt therewith; he that cleaveth wood is endangered thereby.
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9 Whoever quarries stones may be injured by them; whoever splits logs may be endangered by them.
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10 If the iron be blunt, and one do not whet the edge, then must he apply more strength; but wisdom is profitable to give success.
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10 If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed but skill will bring success.
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| The Darby Translation is in the public domain. (The Darby Translation Bible Online) |
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. (New International Version Bible Online) |
