---
title: "Ecclesiastes 10 — World English Bible | Favorite Scriptures"
description: "Read Ecclesiastes 10 in the World English Bible. Free Bible reading, no account needed. Browse books and chapters, then save favorite passages in your personal library."
last_updated: "2026-10-08"
doc_version: "1"
language: "en"
canonical: "https://favoritescriptures.com/bible/ecclesiastes/10"
---

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World English Bible

# Ecclesiastes 10

[1](#verse-1) Dead flies cause the oil of the perfumer to produce an evil odor; so does a little folly outweigh wisdom and honor.

[2](#verse-2) A wise man’s heart is at his right hand, but a fool’s heart at his left.

[3](#verse-3) Yes also when the fool walks by the way, his understanding fails him, and he says to everyone that he is a fool.

[4](#verse-4) If the spirit of the ruler rises up against you, don’t leave your place; for gentleness lays great offenses to rest.

[5](#verse-5) There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, the sort of error which proceeds from the ruler.

[6](#verse-6) Folly is set in great dignity, and the rich sit in a low place.

[7](#verse-7) I have seen servants on horses, and princes walking like servants on the earth.

[8](#verse-8) He who digs a pit may fall into it; and whoever breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake.

[9](#verse-9) Whoever carves out stones may be injured by them. Whoever splits wood may be endangered by it.

[10](#verse-10) If the ax is blunt, and one doesn’t sharpen the edge, then he must use more strength; but skill brings success.

[11](#verse-11) If the snake bites before it is charmed, then is there no profit for the charmer’s tongue.

[12](#verse-12) The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious; but a fool is swallowed by his own lips.

[13](#verse-13) The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness; and the end of his talk is mischievous madness.

[14](#verse-14) A fool also multiplies words. Man doesn’t know what will be; and that which will be after him, who can tell him?

[15](#verse-15) The labor of fools wearies every one of them; for he doesn’t know how to go to the city.

[16](#verse-16) Woe to you, land, when your king is a child, and your princes eat in the morning!

[17](#verse-17) Happy are you, land, when your king is the son of nobles, and your princes eat in due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness!

[18](#verse-18) By slothfulness the roof sinks in; and through idleness of the hands the house leaks.

[19](#verse-19) A feast is made for laughter, and wine makes the life glad; and money is the answer for all things.

[20](#verse-20) Don’t curse the king, no, not in your thoughts; and don’t curse the rich in your bedroom, for a bird of the sky may carry your voice, and that which has wings may tell the matter.

[← Ecclesiastes 9](/bible/ecclesiastes/9)[Ecclesiastes 11 →](/bible/ecclesiastes/11)

World English Bible · Public domain

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