The Darby Translation DBY
New International Version NIV
1 Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to stink [and] ferment; [so] a little folly is weightier than wisdom [and] honour.
1
As dead flies give perfume a bad smell, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor.
2 The heart of a wise [man] is at his right hand; but a fool's heart at his left.
2
The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but the heart of the fool to the left.
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.
3
Even as fools walk along the road, they lack sense and show everyone how stupid they are.
4 If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for quietness pacifieth great offences.
4
If a ruler’s anger rises against you, do not leave your post; calmness can lay great offenses to rest.
5 There is an evil that I have seen under the sun, as an error [that] proceedeth from the ruler:
5
There is an evil I have seen under the sun, the sort of error that arises from a ruler:
6 folly is set in great dignities, but the rich sit in a low place.
6
Fools are put in many high positions, while the rich occupy the low ones.
7 I have seen servants upon horses, and princes walking as servants upon the earth.
7
I have seen slaves on horseback, while princes go on foot like slaves.
8 He that diggeth a pit falleth into it; and whoso breaketh down a hedge, a serpent biteth him.
8
Whoever digs a pit may fall into it; whoever breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake.
9 Whoso removeth stones is hurt therewith; he that cleaveth wood is endangered thereby.
9
Whoever quarries stones may be injured by them; whoever splits logs may be endangered by them.
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.
10
If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed, but skill will bring success.
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Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.