1As dead flies cause perfume to have a bad smell; so does a little folly outweigh wisdom and honor. 2The heart of the wise man inclines to the right; but a fool's heart to the left. 3Even when a fool walks along the road, his lack of sense and stupidity are evident to everyone that sees him. 4If the anger of a ruler rises against you, do not leave your post; for calm can pacify even great offences. 5There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, the sort of error which arises from a ruler: 6Fools are set in high positions, while those of proven worth occupy low ones. 7I have seen slaves on horseback, and princes walking like servants. 8He that digs a pit may fall into it; and whoever breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake. 9Whoever quarries stones may be hurt by them; and he that splits wood may also be injured by the ax. 10If the ax is dull, and its edge unsharpened, then more effort must he exerted, but skill helps achieve success. 11If a snake bites before being charmed, then what value is there in being a snake charmer? And loose talk is no better. 12The words of a wise man are gracious, but fools are destroyed by their own words. 13At the beginning their words are foolishness, and the end of their talk is wicked madness. 14Fools utter many words. No one really knows or can tell what shall be after him. 15The toil of fools wearies them, because they cannot even find their way home. 16Woe to the land ruled by a child, and whose officials feast in the morning! 17Blessed is the land ruled by a noble leader, and its officials eat at proper times – for strength – and not to get drunk! 18By laziness and neglect, the building deteriorates, and the roof sags and leaks. 19A feast is meant for laughter, and wine makes merry, but money supplies all things. 20Do not despise the king, not even in your thoughts; nor curse the rich in your bedroom; for a bird of the air shall carry your words, and his wings shall spread what was said.