| 章 |
| 10:1 |
Dead flies make the perfumer's ointment give off a foul odor; 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 a fool to the left.
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| 10:3 |
Even when fools walk on the road, they lack sense, and show to everyone that they are fools.
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| 10:4 |
If the anger of the ruler rises against you, do not leave your post, for calmness will undo great offenses.
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| 10:5 |
There is an evil that I have seen under the sun, as great an error as if it proceeded from the ruler:
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| 10:6 |
folly is set in many high places, and the rich sit in a low place.
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| 10:7 |
I have seen slaves on horseback, and princes walking on foot like slaves.
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| 10:8 |
Whoever digs a pit will fall into it; and whoever breaks through a wall will be bitten by a snake.
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| 10:9 |
Whoever quarries stones will be hurt by them; and whoever splits logs will be endangered by them.
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| 10:10 |
If the iron is blunt, and one does not whet the edge, then more strength must be exerted; but wisdom helps one to succeed.
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| 10:11 |
If the snake bites before it is charmed, there is no advantage in a charmer.
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| 10:12 |
Words spoken by the wise bring them favor, but the lips of fools consume them.
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| 10:13 |
The words of their mouths begin in foolishness, and their talk ends in wicked madness;
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| 10:14 |
yet fools talk on and on. No one knows what is to happen, and who can tell anyone what the future holds?
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| 10:15 |
The toil of fools wears them out, for they do not even know the way to town.
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| 10:16 |
Alas for you, O land, when your king is a servant, and your princes feast in the morning!
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| 10:17 |
Happy are you, O land, when your king is a nobleman, and your princes feast at the proper time-- for strength, and not for drunkenness!
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| 10:18 |
Through sloth the roof sinks in, and through indolence the house leaks.
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| 10:19 |
Feasts are made for laughter; wine gladdens life, and money meets every need.
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| 10:20 |
Do not curse the king, even in your thoughts, or curse the rich, even in your bedroom; for a bird of the air may carry your voice, or some winged creature tell the matter.
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