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