Ecclesiastes Chapter 10 (NIV)
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As dead flies give perfume a bad smell,so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor.
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The heart of the wise inclines to the right,but the heart of the fool to the left.
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Even as he walks along the road,the fool lacks senseand shows everyone how stupid he is.
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If a ruler’s anger rises against you,do not leave your post;calmness can lay great errors to rest.
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There is an evil I have seen under the sun,the sort of error that arises from a ruler:
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Fools are put in many high positions,while the rich occupy the low ones.
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I have seen slaves on horseback,while princes go on foot like slaves.
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Whoever digs a pit may fall into it;whoever breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake.
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Whoever quarries stones may be injured by them;whoever splits logs may be endangered by them.
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If the ax is dulland its edge unsharpened,more strength is neededbut skill will bring success.
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If a snake bites before it is charmed,there is no profit for the charmer.
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Words from a wise man’s mouth are gracious,but a fool is consumed by his own lips.
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At the beginning his words are folly;at the end they are wicked madness—
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and the fool multiplies words.No one knows what is coming—who can tell him what will happen after him?
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A fool’s work wearies him;he does not know the way to town.
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Woe to you, O land whose king was a servantand whose princes feast in the morning.
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Blessed are you, O land whose king is of noble birthand whose princes eat at a proper time—for strength and not for drunkenness.
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If a man is lazy, the rafters sag;if his hands are idle, the house leaks.
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A feast is made for laughter,and wine makes life merry,but money is the answer for everything.
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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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