¹ As dead flies give perfume a bad smell, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor. ² The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but the heart of the fool to the left. ³ Even as fools walk along the road, they lack sense and show everyone how stupid they are. ⁴ If a ruler`s anger rises against you, do not leave your post; calmness can lay great offenses to rest. ⁵ There is an evil I have seen under the sun, the sort of error that arises from a ruler: ⁶ Fools are put in many high positions, while the rich occupy the low ones. ⁷ I have seen slaves on horseback, while princes go on foot like slaves. ⁸ Whoever digs a pit may fall into it; whoever breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake.