5 Here is an injustice I have seen in the world—an injustice caused by rulers.
6 Stupid people are given positions of authority while the rich are ignored.
7 I have seen slaves on horseback while noblemen go on foot like slaves.
8 If you dig a pit, you fall in it; if you break through a wall, a snake bites you.
9 If you work in a stone quarry, you get hurt by stones. If you split wood, you get hurt doing it.
10 If your ax is dull and you don't sharpen it, you have to work harder to use it. It is smarter to plan ahead.
11 Knowing how to charm a snake is of no use if you let the snake bite first.