14 The fool talks too much, for no one knows what will be. Who can tell anyone what will happen in the future?
15 The fool is so worn out by a hard day’s work he cannot even find his way home at night.
16 Woe to you, O land, when your king is a youth and your princes feast in the morning.
17 Blessed are you, O land, when your king is a son of nobility and your princes feast at the proper time— to gain strength and not to get drunk.
18 Through sloth the roof sinks in, and through idleness of hands the house leaks.
19 Feasts are held for celebration, wine cheers the living, and money answers everything.
20 Do not curse the king even in your thoughts, and do not curse the rich even in your own bedroom, for a bird of the sky may carry your voice; a winged messenger may repeat your words.