KJ3 Literal Translation
Ecclesiastes 10
Observations of wisdom and folly: of riot, laziness, and money. Men's thoughts of kings ought to be reverent.
1As flies of death cause the perfumer's oil to stink and ferment; so a little foolishness is heavier than wisdom and honor.
2The heart of the wise one is toward his right, but the fool's heart toward his left.
3And also, in the way in which a fool walks, his heart is lacking, and he says to all that he is a fool.
4If the spirit of the ruler rises up against you, do not leave your place; for a mind of health quiets great sins.
5There is an evil thing I have seen under the sun, like a sin of error that comes from the presence of the ruler:
6folly is set in many high positions, and many rich ones sit in humble situations.
7I have seen slaves on horses, and rulers walking as slaves on the earth.
8He who digs a pit may fall into it; and one breaking a wall, a snake may bite him.
9He who pulls out stones may be hurt with them; he who splits trees may be endangered by them.
10If the iron is blunt, and he does not whet the faces, even he must add more strength; it must be strong. But wisdom is an advantage giving success.
11If the snake will bite without charming, then there is no advantage to a master of tongue.
12The words of a wise mouth are grace, but the lips of a fool swallow him;
13the beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness; and the end of his mouth is evil madness.
14Yet the fool makes many words; a man knows not what shall be; and what shall be after him, who can tell him?
15The labor of fools wearies them, because he does not know how to go to the city.
16Woe to you, O land, when your king is a boy, and your leaders eat in the morning.
17Blessed are you, O land, when your king is the son of nobles, and your leaders eat in due time, in strength, and not in drinking.
18The framework sinks through laziness; and through lowering of hands, the house leaks.
19Bread is made for laughter, and wine gladdens life; but silver answers all things.
20Also, do not curse a king in your thought; and do not curse the rich in your bedrooms; for a bird of the heavens may carry the voice; yea, the lord of wings may tell the matter.
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