Ecclesiastes 10

1 As dead flies bring a stench to the perfumer’s oil, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor.

1 死苍蝇使做香的膏油发出臭气； 这样，一点愚昧也能败坏智慧和尊荣。

2 A wise man’s heart inclines to the right, but the heart of a fool to the left.

2 智慧人的心居右； 愚昧人的心居左。

3 Even as the fool walks along the road, his sense is lacking, and he shows everyone that he is a fool.

3 并且愚昧人行路显出无知， 对众人说，他是愚昧人。

4 If the ruler’s temper flares against you, do not abandon your post, for calmness lays great offenses to rest.

4 掌权者的心若向你发怒， 不要离开你的本位， 因为柔和能免大过。

5 There is an evil I have seen under the sun—an error that proceeds from the ruler:

5 我见日光之下有一件祸患， 似乎出于掌权的错误，

6 Folly is appointed to great heights, but the rich sit in lowly positions.

6 就是愚昧人立在高位； 富足人坐在低位。

7 I have seen slaves on horseback, while princes go on foot like slaves.

7 我见过仆人骑马， 王子像仆人在地上步行。

8 He who digs a pit may fall into it, and he who breaches a wall may be bitten by a snake.

8 挖陷坑的，自己必掉在其中； 拆墙垣的，必为蛇所咬。

9 The one who quarries stones may be injured by them, and he who splits logs endangers himself.

9 凿开 石头的，必受损伤； 劈开木头的，必遭危险。

10 If the axe is dull and the blade unsharpened, more strength must be exerted, but skill produces success.

10 铁器钝了，若不将刃磨快，就必多费气力； 但得智慧指教，便有益处。

11 If the snake bites before it is charmed, there is no profit for the charmer.

11 未行法术以先，蛇若咬人， 后行法术也是无益。

12 The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool consume him.

12 智慧人的口说出恩言； 愚昧人的嘴吞灭自己。

13 The beginning of his talk is folly, and the end of his speech is evil madness.

13 他口中的言语起头是愚昧； 他话的末尾是奸恶的狂妄。

14 Yet the fool multiplies words. No one knows what is coming, and who can tell him what will come after him?

14 愚昧人多有言语， 人却不知将来有什么事； 他身后的事谁能告诉他呢？

15 The toil of a fool wearies him, for he does not know the way to the city.

15 凡愚昧人，他的劳碌使自己困乏， 因为连进城的路，他也不知道。

16 Woe to you, O land whose king is a youth, and whose princes feast in the morning.

16 邦国啊，你的王若是孩童， 你的群臣早晨宴乐， 你就有祸了！

17 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.

17 邦国啊，你的王若是贵胄之子， 你的群臣按时吃喝， 为要补力，不为酒醉， 你就有福了！

18 Through laziness the roof caves in, and in the hands of the idle, the house leaks.

18 因人懒惰，房顶塌下； 因人手懒，房屋滴漏。

19 A feast is prepared for laughter, and wine makes life merry, but money is the answer for everything.

19 设摆筵席是为喜笑。 酒能使人快活； 钱能叫万事应心。

20 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.

20 你不可咒诅君王， 也不可心怀此念； 在你卧房也不可咒诅富户。 因为空中的鸟必传扬这声音， 有翅膀的也必述说这事。