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1A wise man's heart inclines him to the right, but a fool's heart to the left.
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Even when the fool walks on the road, he lacks sense, and he 2says to everyone that he is a fool.
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If the anger of the ruler rises against you, 3do not leave your place, 4for calmness will lay great offenses to rest.
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There is an evil that I have seen under the sun, as it were 5an error proceeding from the ruler:
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6folly is set in many high places, and the rich sit in a low place.
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7I have seen slaves 8on horses, and princes walking on the ground like slaves.
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He who 9digs a pit will fall into it, and 10a serpent will bite him who breaks through a wall.
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11He who quarries stones is hurt by them, and he who 12splits logs is endangered by them.
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If the iron is blunt, and one does not sharpen the edge, he must use more strength, but wisdom helps one to succeed.
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If the serpent bites before it is 13charmed, there is no advantage to the charmer.
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The words of a wise man's mouth 14win him favor, but 15the lips of a fool consume him.