10If the iron be blunt, and man do not whet the edge, then must he exert more strength; but the advantage of making it properly sharp is wisdom.
11If the serpent do bite because no one uttered a charm, then hath the man that can use his tongue in charming no preference.—
12The words of a wise man's mouth bring grace; but the lips of a fool will destroy himself.
13The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness; and the last that cometh out of his mouth is evil-bringing madness.
14The fool also multiplieth words; but a man cannot know what is to be; and what is to be after him, who can tell him?
15The toil of the foolish will weary every one of them, because he knoweth not how to go to the city.—
16Woe to thee, O land, when thy king is lowminded, and when thy princes eat in the morning!