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 bedchamber: For a bird of the sky may carry your voice, And that which has wings may tell the matter.