5 There is a tragedy that I’ve seen under the sun, an error often made by rulers.
6 Foolish people are often given high positions, and rich people are left to fill lower positions.
7 I have seen slaves sitting on horses and influential people going on foot like slaves.
8 Whoever digs a pit may fall into it. Whoever breaks through a stone wall may be bitten by a snake.
9 Whoever works in a stone quarry may get hurt. Whoever splits wood may be injured.
10 If an ax is blunt and the edge isn’t sharpened, then one has to use more strength. But wisdom prepares the way for success.
11 If a snake bites before it has been charmed, then there is no advantage in being a snake charmer.