1
Dead[a]flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour: so doth a littlefolly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour.
2
A wise man'sheart is at his right hand; but a fool'sheart at his left.
3
Yea also, when he that is a foolwalketh by the way, his wisdomfaileth him, and he saith to every one that he is a fool.
4
If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for yieldingpacifiethgreatoffences.
5
There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, as an error which proceedethfrom[b] the ruler:
6
Folly is set in great[c]dignity, and the richsit in low place.
7
I have seenservants upon horses, and princeswalking as servants upon the earth.
8
He that diggeth a pit shall fall into it; and whoso breaketh an hedge, a serpent shall bite him.
9
Whoso removethstones shall be hurt therewith; and he that cleavethwood shall be endangered thereby.
10
If the iron be blunt, and he do not whet the edge, then must he put to more strength: but wisdom is profitable to direct.
11
Surely the serpent will bite without enchantment; and a babbler[d]is no better.