Ecclesiastes 10
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1As dead flies give perfume a bad smell, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor.1As dead flies give perfume a bad smell, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor.
2The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but the heart of the fool to the left.2The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but the heart of the fool to the left.
3Even as fools walk along the road, they lack sense and show everyone how stupid they are.3Even as fools walk along the road, they lack sense and show everyone how stupid they are.
4If a ruler's anger rises against you, do not leave your post; calmness can lay great offenses to rest.4If a ruler's anger rises against you, do not leave your post; calmness can lay great offenses to rest.
5There is an evil I have seen under the sun, the sort of error that arises from a ruler:5There is an evil I have seen under the sun, the sort of error that arises from a ruler:
6Fools are put in many high positions, while the rich occupy the low ones.6Fools are put in many high positions, while the rich occupy the low ones.
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.
8Whoever digs a pit may fall into it; whoever breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake.8Whoever digs a pit may fall into it; whoever breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake.
9Whoever quarries stones may be injured by them; whoever splits logs may be endangered by them.9Whoever quarries stones may be injured by them; whoever splits logs may be endangered by them.
10If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed, but skill will bring success.10If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed, but skill will bring success.
11If a snake bites before it is charmed, the charmer receives no fee.11If a snake bites before it is charmed, the charmer receives no fee.
12Words from the mouth of the wise are gracious, but fools are consumed by their own lips.12Words from the mouth of the wise are gracious, but fools are consumed by their own lips.
13At the beginning their words are folly; at the end they are wicked madness--13At the beginning their words are folly; at the end they are wicked madness--
14and fools multiply words. No one knows what is coming-- who can tell someone else what will happen after them?14and fools multiply words. No one knows what is coming-- who can tell someone else what will happen after them?
15The toil of fools wearies them; they do not know the way to town.15The toil of fools wearies them; they do not know the way to town.
16Woe to the land whose king was a servant and whose princes feast in the morning.16Woe to the land whose king was a servant and whose princes feast in the morning.
17Blessed is the land whose king is of noble birth and whose princes eat at a proper time-- for strength and not for drunkenness.17Blessed is the land whose king is of noble birth and whose princes eat at a proper time-- for strength and not for drunkenness.
18Through laziness, the rafters sag; because of idle hands, the house leaks.18Through laziness, the rafters sag; because of idle hands, the house leaks.
19A feast is made for laughter, wine makes life merry, and money is the answer for everything.19A feast is made for laughter, wine makes life merry, and money is the answer for everything.
20Do not revile the king even in your thoughts, or curse the rich in your bedroom, because a bird in the sky may carry your words, and a bird on the wing may report what you say.20Do not revile the king even in your thoughts, or curse the rich in your bedroom, because a bird in the sky may carry your words, and a bird on the wing may report what you say.
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Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

New International Version (NIV)

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Ecclesiastes 9
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