A.   Wisdom's Characteristics     10:1-15

Ecc 10:1 Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour: so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour.

Ecc 10:2 A wise man's heart is at his right hand; but a fool's heart at his left.

Ecc 10:3 Yea also, when he that is a fool walketh by the way, his wisdom faileth him, and he saith to every one that he is a fool.

Ecc 10:4 If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great offences.

Ecc 10:5 There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, as an error which proceedeth from the ruler:

Ecc 10:6 Folly is set in great dignity, and the rich sit in low place.

Ecc 10:7 I have seen servants upon horses, and princes walking as servants upon the earth.

Ecc 10:8 He that diggeth a pit shall fall into it; and whoso breaketh an hedge, a serpent shall bite him.

Ecc 10:9 Whoso removeth stones shall be hurt therewith; and he that cleaveth wood shall be endangered thereby.

Ecc 10:10 If the iron be blunt, and he do not whet the edge, then must he put to more strength: but wisdom is profitable to direct.

Ecc 10:11 Surely the serpent will bite without enchantment; and a babbler is no better.

Ecc 10:12 The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself.

Ecc 10:13 The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness: and the end of his talk is mischievous madness.

Ecc 10:14 A fool also is full of words: a man cannot tell what shall be; and what shall be after him, who can tell him?

Ecc 10:15 The labour of the foolish wearieth every one of them, because he knoweth not how to go to the city.