Read Ecclesiastes 10

World English Bible · 20 verses

1. ¹ Dead flies cause the oil of the perfumer to produce an evil odor; so does a little folly outweigh wisdom and honor.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
2. ² A wise man’s heart is at his right hand, but a fool’s heart at his left.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
3. ³ Yes also when the fool walks by the way, his understanding fails him, and he says to everyone that he is a fool.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
4. ⁴ If the spirit of the ruler rises up against you, don’t leave your place; for gentleness lays great offenses to rest.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
5. ⁵ There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, the sort of error which proceeds from the ruler.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
6. ⁶ Folly is set in great dignity, and the rich sit in a low place.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
7. ⁷ I have seen servants on horses, and princes walking like servants on the earth.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
8. ⁸ He who digs a pit may fall into it; and whoever breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
9. ⁹ Whoever carves out stones may be injured by them. Whoever splits wood may be endangered by it.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
10. ¹⁰ If the ax is blunt, and one doesn’t sharpen the edge, then he must use more strength; but skill brings success.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
11. ¹¹ If the snake bites before it is charmed, then is there no profit for the charmer’s tongue.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
12. ¹² The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious; but a fool is swallowed by his own lips.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
13. ¹³ The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness; and the end of his talk is mischievous madness.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
14. ¹⁴ A fool also multiplies words. Man doesn’t know what will be; and that which will be after him, who can tell him?This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
15. ¹⁵ The labor of fools wearies every one of them; for he doesn’t know how to go to the city.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
16. ¹⁶ Woe to you, land, when your king is a child, and your princes eat in the morning!This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
17. ¹⁷ Happy are you, land, when your king is the son of nobles, and your princes eat in due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness!This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
18. ¹⁸ By slothfulness the roof sinks in; and through idleness of the hands the house leaks.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
19. ¹⁹ A feast is made for laughter, and wine makes the life glad; and money is the answer for all things.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
20. ²⁰ Don’t curse the king, no, not in your thoughts; and don’t curse the rich in your bedroom, for a bird of the sky may carry your voice, and that which has wings may tell the matter.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.

Scripture: World English Bible, public domain, eBible.org