Ecclesiastes 9:17-Ecclesiastes 10:7 - Wisdom'Although Vulnerable'Is Superior To Folly

¹⁷ The calm words of the wise are heeded
more than the shouts of a ruler over fools.
¹⁸ Wisdom is better than weapons of war,
but one sinner can destroy much good.

¹ Dead flies make a perfumer’s oil ferment and stink;
so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor.
² A wise man’s heart goes to the right,
but a fool’s heart to the left.
³ Even when the fool walks along the road, his heart lacks sense,
and he shows everyone he is a fool.
⁴ If the ruler’s anger rises against you, don’t leave your place,
for calmness puts great offenses to rest.

⁵ There is an evil I have seen under the sun, an error proceeding from the presence of the ruler:

⁶ The fool is appointed to great heights,
but the rich remain in lowly positions.
⁷ I have seen slaves on horses,
but princes walking on the ground like slaves.