As dead flies bring a stench to the perfumer’s oil , so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor.
A wise man’s heart inclines to the right , but the heart of a fool to the left.
Even as the fool walks along the road , his sense is lacking , and he shows everyone that he is a fool.
If the ruler’s temper flares against you , do not abandon your post , for calmness {lays} great offenses to rest.
There is an evil I have seen under the sun — an error that proceeds from the ruler :
Folly is appointed to great heights , but the rich sit in lowly positions.
I have seen slaves on horseback , while princes go on foot like slaves.
He who digs a pit may fall and he who breaches a wall may be bitten by a snake.
The one who quarries stones may be injured and he who splits logs endangers himself
If the axe is dull and the blade vvv unsharpened , more strength must be exerted , but skill produces success.
If the snake bites before it is charmed , there is no profit for the charmer ....
The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious , but the lips of a fool consume him.
The beginning of his talk ... is folly , and the end of his speech is evil madness.
Yet the fool multiplies words. No one knows what is coming , and who can tell what will come after him ?
The toil of a fool wearies him , for he does not know the way to the city.
Woe O land whose king is a youth , and whose princes feast in the morning.
Blessed are you , O land whose king is a son of nobles , and whose princes feast at the proper time — for strength and not for drunkenness.
Through laziness the roof caves in , and in the hands of the idle , the house leaks.
A feast is prepared for laughter , and wine makes life merry , but money is the answer - for everything.
Do not curse the king even in your thoughts , (or) curse the rich even in your bedroom ... , for a bird of the air may carry - your words , and a winged creature ... may report your speech.