Ecclesiastes 10 — WEBC
10Verse 1Dead flies cause the oil of the perfumer to produce an evil odor;so does a little folly outweigh wisdom and honor.Verse 2A wise man’s heart is at his right hand,but a fool’s heart at his left.Verse 3Yes also when the fool walks by the way, his understanding fails him, and he says to everyone that he is a fool.Verse 4If the spirit of the ruler rises up against you, don’t leave your place; for gentleness lays great offenses to rest.Verse 5There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, the sort of error which proceeds from the ruler.Verse 6Folly is set in great dignity, and the rich sit in a low place.Verse 7I have seen servants on horses, and princes walking like servants on the earth.Verse 8He who digs a pit may fall into it; and whoever breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake.Verse 9Whoever carves out stones may be injured by them. Whoever splits wood may be endangered by it.Verse 10If the ax is blunt, and one doesn’t sharpen the edge, then he must use more strength; but skill brings success.Verse 11If the snake bites before it is charmed, then is there no profit for the charmer’s tongue.Verse 12The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious; but a fool is swallowed by his own lips.Verse 13The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness; and the end of his talk is mischievous madness.Verse 14A fool also multiplies words. Man doesn’t know what will be; and that which will be after him, who can tell him?Verse 15The labor of fools wearies every one of them; for he doesn’t know how to go to the city.Verse 16Woe to you, land, when your king is a child,and your princes eat in the morning!Verse 17Happy are you, land, when your king is the son of nobles,and your princes eat in due season,
for strength, and not for drunkenness!Verse 18By slothfulness the roof sinks in;and through idleness of the hands the house leaks.Verse 19A feast is made for laughter,and wine makes the life glad;
and money is the answer for all things.Verse 20Don’t curse the king, no, not in your thoughts;and don’t curse the rich in your bedroom,
for a bird of the sky may carry your voice,
and that which has wings may tell the matter.
for strength, and not for drunkenness!Verse 18By slothfulness the roof sinks in;and through idleness of the hands the house leaks.Verse 19A feast is made for laughter,and wine makes the life glad;
and money is the answer for all things.Verse 20Don’t curse the king, no, not in your thoughts;and don’t curse the rich in your bedroom,
for a bird of the sky may carry your voice,
and that which has wings may tell the matter.