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1.
As dead flies give perfume a bad smell, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor.
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2.
The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but the heart of the fool to the left.
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3.
Even as he walks along the road, the fool lacks sense and shows everyone how stupid he is.
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4.
If a ruler's anger rises against you, do not leave your post; calmness can lay great errors to rest.
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5.
There is an evil I have seen under the sun, the sort of error that arises from a ruler:
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6.
Fools are put in many high positions, while the rich occupy the low ones.
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7.
I have seen slaves on horseback, while princes go on foot like slaves.
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8.
Whoever digs a pit may fall into it; whoever breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake.
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9.
Whoever quarries stones may be injured by them; whoever splits logs may be endangered by them.
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10.
If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed but skill will bring success.
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11.
If a snake bites before it is charmed, there is no profit for the charmer.
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12.
Words from a wise man's mouth are gracious, but a fool is consumed by his own lips.
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13.
At the beginning his words are folly; at the end they are wicked madness--
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14.
and the fool multiplies words. No one knows what is coming--who can tell him what will happen after him?
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15.
A fool's work wearies him; he does not know the way to town.
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16.
Woe to you, O land whose king was a servant and whose princes feast in the morning.
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17.
Blessed are you, O land whose king is of noble birth and whose princes eat at a proper time--for strength and not for drunkenness.
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18.
If a man is lazy, the rafters sag; if his hands are idle, the house leaks.
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19.
A feast is made for laughter, and wine makes life merry, but money is the answer for everything.
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20.
Do not revile the king even in your thoughts, or curse the rich in your bedroom, because a bird of the air may carry your words, and a bird on the wing may report what you say.
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