New King James Version

Ecclesiastes 10:1-6 New King James Version (NKJV)

1. Dead flies putrefy the perfumer’s ointment,And cause it to give off a foul odor;So does a little folly to one respected for wisdom and honor.

2. A wise man’s heart is at his right hand,But a fool’s heart at his left.

3. Even when a fool walks along the way,He lacks wisdom,And he shows everyone that he is a fool.

4. If the spirit of the ruler rises against you,Do not leave your post;For conciliation pacifies great offenses.

5. There is an evil I have seen under the sun,As an error proceeding from the ruler:

6. Folly is set in great dignity,While the rich sit in a lowly place.