Ecclesiastes 10
10
1Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to stink and ferment; so a little folly is weightier than wisdom and honour. 2The heart of a wise man is at his right hand; but a fool's heart at his left. 3Yea also, when he that is a fool walketh by the way, his sense faileth him, and he saith to every one that he is a fool.
4If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for quietness pacifieth great offences. 5There is an evil that I have seen under the sun, as an error that proceedeth from the ruler: 6folly is set in great dignities, but the rich sit in a low place. 7I have seen servants upon horses, and princes walking as servants upon the earth. 8He that diggeth a pit falleth into it; and whoso breaketh down a hedge, a serpent biteth him. 9Whoso removeth stones is hurt therewith; he that cleaveth wood is endangered thereby. 10If the iron be blunt, and one do not whet the edge, then must he apply more strength; but wisdom is profitable to give success. 11If the serpent bite before enchantment, then the charmer hath no advantage.
12The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool swallow up himself. 13The beginning of the words of his mouth is folly; and the end of his talk is mischievous madness. 14And the fool multiplieth words: yet man knoweth not what shall be; and what shall be after him, who will tell him? 15The labour of fools wearieth them, because they know not how to go to the city.
16Woe to thee, O land, when thy king is a child, and thy princes eat in the morning! 17Happy art thou, O land, when thy king is a son of nobles, and thy princes eat in due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness! 18By much sloth fulness the framework falleth in; and through idleness of the hands the house drippeth. 19A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh life merry; but money answereth everything. 20Curse not the king, no, not in thy thought; and curse not the rich in thy bedchamber: for the bird of the air will carry the voice, and that which hath wings will tell the matter.
Currently Selected:
Ecclesiastes 10: DARBY
Highlight
Share
Copy
Want to have your highlights saved across all your devices? Sign up or sign in
First published in 1890. This edition is maintained by the British and Foreign Bible Society.