Berean Study Bible | Berean Study Bible |
1As dead flies bring a stench to the perfumer’s oil, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor. | 1As dead flies bring a stench to the perfumer’s oil, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor. |
2A wise man’s heart inclines to the right, but the heart of a fool to the left. | 2A wise man’s heart inclines to the right, but the heart of a fool to the left. |
3Even as the fool walks along the road, his sense is lacking, and he shows everyone that he is a fool. | 3Even as the fool walks along the road, his sense is lacking, and he shows everyone that he is a fool. |
4If the ruler’s temper flares against you, do not abandon your post, for calmness lays great offenses to rest. | 4If the ruler’s temper flares against you, do not abandon your post, for calmness lays great offenses to rest. |
5There is an evil I have seen under the sun—an error that proceeds from the ruler: | 5There is an evil I have seen under the sun—an error that proceeds from the ruler: |
6Folly is appointed to great heights, but the rich sit in lowly positions. | 6Folly is appointed to great heights, but the rich sit in lowly positions. |
7I have seen slaves on horseback, while princes go on foot like slaves. | 7I have seen slaves on horseback, while princes go on foot like slaves. |
8He who digs a pit may fall into it, and he who breaches a wall may be bitten by a snake. | 8He who digs a pit may fall into it, and he who breaches a wall may be bitten by a snake. |
9The one who quarries stones may be injured by them, and he who splits logs endangers himself. | 9The one who quarries stones may be injured by them, and he who splits logs endangers himself. |
10If the axe is dull and the blade unsharpened, more strength must be exerted, but skill produces success. | 10If the axe is dull and the blade unsharpened, more strength must be exerted, but skill produces success. |
11If the snake bites before it is charmed, there is no profit for the charmer. | 11If the snake bites before it is charmed, there is no profit for the charmer. |
12The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool consume him. | 12The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool consume him. |
13The beginning of his talk is folly, and the end of his speech is evil madness. | 13The beginning of his talk is folly, and the end of his speech is evil madness. |
14Yet the fool multiplies words. No one knows what is coming, and who can tell him what will come after him? | 14Yet the fool multiplies words. No one knows what is coming, and who can tell him what will come after him? |
15The toil of a fool wearies him, for he does not know the way to the city. | 15The toil of a fool wearies him, for he does not know the way to the city. |
16Woe to you, O land whose king is a youth, and whose princes feast in the morning. | 16Woe to you, O land whose king is a youth, and whose princes feast in the morning. |
17Blessed are you, O land whose king is a son of nobles, and whose princes feast at the proper time—for strength and not for drunkenness. | 17Blessed are you, O land whose king is a son of nobles, and whose princes feast at the proper time—for strength and not for drunkenness. |
18Through laziness the roof caves in, and in the hands of the idle, the house leaks. | 18Through laziness the roof caves in, and in the hands of the idle, the house leaks. |
19A feast is prepared for laughter, and wine makes life merry, but money is the answer for everything. | 19A feast is prepared for laughter, and wine makes life merry, but money is the answer for everything. |
20Do 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 words, and a winged creature may report your speech. | 20Do 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 words, and a winged creature may report your speech. |
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