Ecclesiastes 10

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10 <1> A few dead flies will make even the best perfume stink. In the same way, a little foolishness can ruin much wisdom and honor.

<2> The thoughts of the wise lead them the right way, but the thoughts of the foolish lead them the wrong way. <3> Fools show how foolish they are, just walking down the road. Their minds are blank and everyone knows it.

<4> Don't quit your job simply because the boss is angry with you. If you remain calm and helpful, you can correct even great mistakes.[34]

<5> Here is something else that I have seen in this life[35] that isn't fair. It is the kind of mistake that rulers make. <6> Fools are given important positions, while the rich get jobs that are not important. <7> I have seen servants riding on horses, while rulers were walking beside them like slaves.

Every Job Has Its Dangers

<8> If you dig a hole, you might fall into it. If you break down a wall, you might be bitten by a snake. <9> If you are moving large stones, you might be hurt by them. If you cut down a tree, you are in danger of it falling on you.

<10> But wisdom will make any job easier. It is very hard to cut with a dull knife. But if you sharpen the knife, the job is easier.

<11> Someone might know how to control snakes. But that skill is useless if a snake bites when that person is not around.

<12> Words from the wise bring praise,

but words from a fool bring destruction.

<13> Fools begin by saying something foolish. But in the end, they speak nonsense. <14> Fools are always talking about what they will do, but you never know what will happen. People cannot tell what will happen in the future.

<15> Fools aren't smart enough to find their way home,

so they must work hard all their life.

The Value of Work

<16> It is very bad for a country if the king is like a child. And it is very bad for a country if its rulers use all their time eating. <17> But it is very good for a country if the king comes from a good family.[36] And it is very good for a country if the rulers control their eating and drinking. They eat and drink to become strong, not to become drunk.

<18> If someone is too lazy to work,

their house will begin to leak, and the roof will fall in.

<19> People enjoy eating, and wine makes life happier. But money solves a lot of problems.

Gossip

<20> Don't say bad things about the king. Don't even think bad things about him. And don't say bad things about rich people, even if you are alone in your home. A little bird might fly and tell them everything you said.