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.
7. I have seen servants on horses,While princes walk on the ground like servants.
8. He who digs a pit will fall into it,And whoever breaks through a wall will be bitten by a serpent.