Ecclesiastes 10:10-19

The Voice

¹⁰     If a tool is dull and no one sharpens its edge, the work will be harder;
        the advantage of wisdom is this: it brings success.
¹¹     If a snake bites before it is charmed,
        there is no advantage in being a snake charmer.
¹²     The words of the wise bring them favor,
        but those of the foolish endanger them.
¹³     The first words out of a fool’s mouth are folly;
        the last words he utters are evil madness.
¹⁴     The fool babbles on and on, not knowing when to stop.
        Though no one knows what will happen next, he may think he knows.
    Who can tell what the future holds?
¹⁵     The fools’ work wears them out;
        they’re so weary they can’t find their way to the city.
¹⁶     Woe to the land whose king is a child
        and whose princes start their feast in the morning.
¹⁷     Blessed is the land whose king is of noble heritage
        and whose princes know when to feast,
    Who discipline themselves with strength and avoid drunkenness.
¹⁸     The roof sags over the head of lazybones;
        the house leaks because of idle hands.
¹⁹     Feasts are happy occasions;
        wine brings joy to life;
        money is the answer for everything.