Dead flies can spoil the finest perfume; A little folly ruins wisdom and honor. The wise heart turns toward what is right; The fool reveals himself along the road. If a ruler's anger rises up against you, Do not abandon calmness or your place. Gentleness can quiet serious offenses; Panic gives the error greater space. I have seen folly seated in high office, While the rich and capable sit low. Servants ride as princes through the city; Princes walk like servants on the road. Whoever digs a pit may fall within it; Whoever breaks a wall may meet the snake. Moving stones can wound the one who moves them; Splitting wood can place a life at stake. If the iron edge is blunt and left unsharpened, More strength is spent to finish what began. Wisdom gives advantage to our labor; Skill can save the hands of any person. A fool's words start in foolishness and finish With destructive madness growing strong. He multiplies his speech without true knowledge; No one knows what future days will bring. Woe to lands where childish rulers govern And leaders feast when morning has begun. Through lazy hands the roof begins to sag; Through idleness the house gives way. Do not curse a ruler even in your thoughts; A bird may carry hidden words away.