8. He who digs a pit[327] will fall into it himself, and whoever destroys the fence[328] will be bitten by the serpent[329].

9. He who takes out stones[330] will ache because of them, he who chops wood will suffer pain from them:

10. If the axe falls, he himself will suffer[331], (although) he will strain (all) his strength, but wisdom is the advantage for man[332].

11. If an unspoken serpent bites, there is no advantage[333] (in this respect) for the snake-charmer[334].

12. The words (from) the mouth of the wise are grace[335], but the mouth of a fool will destroy him[336].

13. The beginning of the words (from) his mouth is foolishness, and the end of his speech[337] is evil delusion[338],

14. (Although) the fool talks a lot. A man does not know what has been, and what will be, and who will tell him what will come after him?

15. The labor of fools[341] will hurt[342] them[343], because he[344] does not know the way to the city[345].

16. Woe to thee, O city, in which thy king is young, and thy princes go early[346].

17. Happy are you, O land, in which your king, your son, and your princes are in season, they are strong[347] and will not be ashamed[348].

18. The ceiling will sag because of the leaves, and with the lack of hands, there will be a leak in the house[349].

19. With bread they eat[350] bread, wine, and oil, so that the living may rejoice, and all humbly[351] obedient to silver[352].

20. But do not curse the king in your thoughts, and do not curse the rich in your bedchamber, for the bird of the air will bear your voice, and those who have wings[353] will convey your speech[354].

Chapter XI.