Catholic Public Domain Version

Ecclesiastes 10:12-20 Catholic Public Domain Version (CPDV)

12. Words from the mouth of a wise man are graceful, but the lips of a foolish man will throw him down with violence.

13. At the beginning of his words is foolishness, and at the end of his talk is a most grievous error.

14. The fool multiplies his words. A man does not know what has been before him, and who is able to reveal to him what will be in the future after him?

15. The hardship of the foolish will afflict those who do not know to go into the city.

16. Woe to you, the land whose king is a boy, and whose princes consume in the morning.

17. Blessed is the land whose king is noble, and whose princes eat at the proper time, for refreshment and not for self-indulgence.

18. By laziness, a framework shall be brought down, and by the weakness of hands, a house shall collapse through.

19. While laughing, they make bread and wine, so that the living may feast. And all things are obedient to money.

20. You should not slander the king, even in your thoughts, and you should not speak evil of a wealthy man, even in your private chamber. For even the birds of the air will carry your voice, and whatever has wings will announce your opinion.