There is an evil that I have seen under the sun, as it were (A)an error proceeding from the ruler: (B)folly is set in many high places, and the rich sit in a low place. (C)I have seen slaves (D)on horses, and princes walking on the ground like slaves.

He who (E)digs a pit will fall into it,
    and (F)a serpent will bite him who breaks through a wall.
(G)He who quarries stones is hurt by them,
    and he who (H)splits logs is endangered by them.
10 If the iron is blunt, and one does not sharpen the edge,
    he must use more strength,
    but wisdom helps one to succeed.[a]
11 If the serpent bites before it is (I)charmed,
    there is no advantage to the charmer.

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Footnotes

  1. Ecclesiastes 10:10 Or wisdom is an advantage for success

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