5 I have seen another misfortune on the earth:It is an error a ruler makes.
6 Fools are placed in many positions of authority,while wealthy men sit in lowly positions.
7 I have seen slaves on horsebackand princes walking on foot like slaves.
8 One who digs a pit may fall into it,and one who breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake.
9 One who quarries stones may be injured by them;one who splits logs may be endangered by them.
10 If an iron axhead is blunt and a workman does not sharpen its edge,he must exert a great deal of effort;so wisdom has the advantage of giving success.
11 If the snake should bite before it is charmed,the snake charmer is in trouble.