Ecclesiastes or Preacher 10 Folly is the cause of many misfortunes

 Ecclesiastes or Preacher 10

Folly is the cause of many misfortunes

1 Just as a dead fly causes a stench and spoils the perfumer's ointment, so a little folly is to one renowned for wisdom and honor.

2 The heart of the wise is at his right hand, but the heart of the fool is at his left.

3 Even when a fool walks along the path, he lacks understanding and says to everyone that he is a fool.

4 If the spirit of the ruler rises against you, do not leave your place, for agreement is a remedy that covers great sins.

5 There is another evil that I have seen under the sun: error from a ruler.

6 They seat a fool in high places, but the rich sit in low places.

7 I have seen servants on horses, and princes walking like servants on the earth. 

8 Whoever digs a pit will fall into it, and whoever breaks through a wall will be bitten by a snake.

9 Whoever carries stones will be harmed by them, and whoever chops wood will be in danger.

10 If iron is blunt and the edge is not whetted, then more strength must be exerted; but wisdom is excellent for guidance.

11 If a snake bites before it is charmed, then no remedy will be found in the most skillful charmer.

12 In the words of a wise man's mouth there is favor, but a fool's lips will devour him.

13 The beginning of the words of his mouth is folly, and the end of his talk is mischievous madness.

14 Though a fool multiplies words, a man does not know what will happen; and who can tell him what will happen after him?

15 The labor of fools wearies every one of them, for they do not know how to get to the city. 

16 Woe to you, O land, whose king is a child, and whose princes eat in the morning!

17 Blessed are you, O land, whose king is the sons of nobles, and whose princes eat in due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness!

18 Through much laziness the roof weakens, and through slack hands the house leaks.

19 Invitations are made for laughter, and wine makes life merry, and money answers for everything.

20 Do not curse the king in your thoughts, nor curse the rich in your inner chambers, for the birds of the air would carry the voice, and what has wings would tell the word.