| 章 |
| 10:1 |
As dead flies give perfume a bad smell, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor.
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| 10:2 |
The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but the heart of the fool to the left.
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| 10:3 |
Even as he walks along the road, the fool lacks sense and shows everyone how stupid he is.
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| 10:4 |
If a ruler's anger rises against you, do not leave your post; calmness can lay great errors to rest.
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| 10:5 |
There is an evil I have seen under the sun, the sort of error that arises from a ruler:
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| 10:6 |
Fools are put in many high positions, while the rich occupy the low ones.
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| 10:7 |
I have seen slaves on horseback, while princes go on foot like slaves.
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| 10:8 |
Whoever digs a pit may fall into it; whoever breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake.
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| 10:9 |
Whoever quarries stones may be injured by them; whoever splits logs may be endangered by them.
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| 10:10 |
If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed but skill will bring success.
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| 10:11 |
If a snake bites before it is charmed, there is no profit for the charmer.
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| 10:12 |
Words from a wise man's mouth are gracious, but a fool is consumed by his own lips.
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| 10:13 |
At the beginning his words are folly; at the end they are wicked madness--
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| 10:14 |
and the fool multiplies words. No one knows what is coming-- who can tell him what will happen after him?
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| 10:15 |
A fool's work wearies him; he does not know the way to town.
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| 10:16 |
Woe to you, O land whose king was a servant and whose princes feast in the morning.
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| 10:17 |
Blessed are you, O land whose king is of noble birth and whose princes eat at a proper time-- for strength and not for drunkenness.
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| 10:18 |
If a man is lazy, the rafters sag; if his hands are idle, the house leaks.
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| 10:19 |
A feast is made for laughter, and wine makes life merry, but money is the answer for everything.
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| 10:20 |
Do not revile the king even in your thoughts, or curse the rich in your bedroom, because a bird of the air may carry your words, and a bird on the wing may report what you say.
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