1Dead flies make the perfumer's ointment give off a stench; so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor.

2A wise man's heart inclines him to the right, but a fool's heart to the left.

3Even when the fool walks on the road, he lacks sense, and he says to everyone that he is a fool.

4If the anger of the ruler rises against you, do not leave your place, for calmness will lay great offenses to rest.

5There is an evil that I have seen under the sun, as it were an error proceeding from the ruler:

6folly is set in many high places, and the rich sit in a low place.

7I have seen slaves on horses, and princes walking on the ground like slaves.

8He who digs a pit will fall into it, and a serpent will bite him who breaks through a wall.

9He who quarries stones is hurt by them, and he who splits logs is endangered by them.

10If the iron is blunt, and one does not sharpen the edge, he must use more strength, but wisdom helps one to succeed.

11If the serpent bites before it is charmed, there is no advantage to the charmer.