Dual Panel1DEAD FLIES cause the ointment of the perfumer to putrefy [and] send forth a vile odor; so does a little folly [in him who is valued for wisdom] outweigh wisdom and honor.
2A wise man's heart turns him toward his right hand, but a fool's heart toward his left.
3Even when he who is a fool walks along the road, his heart {and} understanding fail him, and he says of everyone {and} to everyone that he is a fool.
4If the temper of the ruler rises up against you, do not leave your place [or show a resisting spirit]; for gentleness {and} calmness prevent {or} put a stop to great offenses.
5There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, like an error which proceeds from the ruler:
6Folly is set in great dignity {and} in high places, and the rich sit in low places.
7I have seen slaves on horses, and princes walking like slaves on the earth.
8He who digs a pit [for others] will fall into it, and whoever breaks through a fence {or} a [stone] wall, a serpent will bite him.
9Whoever removes [landmark] stones {or} hews out [new ones with similar intent] will be hurt with them, {and} he who fells trees will be endangered by them.
10If the ax is dull and the man does not whet the edge, he must put forth more strength; but wisdom helps him to succeed.
11If the serpent bites before it is charmed, then it is no use to call a charmer [and the slanderer is no better than the uncharmed snake].
12The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious {and} win him favor, but the lips of a fool consume him.
13The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness, and the end of his talk is wicked madness.
14A fool also multiplies words, though no man can tell what will be--and what will happen after he is gone, who can tell him?
15The labor of fools wearies every one of them, because [he is so ignorant of the ordinary matters that] he does not even know how to get to town.
16Woe to you, O land, when your king is a child {or} a servant and when your officials feast in the morning!
17Happy (fortunate and to be envied) are you, O land, when your king is a free man {and} of noble birth {and} character and when your officials feast at the proper time--for strength and not for drunkenness!
18Through indolence the rafters [of state affairs] decay {and} the roof sinks in, and through idleness of the hands the house leaks.
19[Instead of repairing the breaches, the officials] make a feast for laughter, serve wine to cheer life, and [depend on tax] money to answer for all of it.
20Curse not the king, no, not even in your thoughts, and curse not the rich in your bedchamber, for a bird of the air will carry the voice, and a winged creature will tell the matter.