Ecclesiastes 10:5-10
New American Standard Bible
Chapter 10
5There is an evil I have seen under the sun, like a mistake that proceeds from the ruler: 6foolishness is set in many exalted places while the rich sit in humble places. 7I have seen slaves riding on horses and princes walking like slaves on the land.
8One who digs a pit may fall into it, and a serpent may bite one who breaks through a wall.
9One who quarries stones may be hurt by them, and one who splits logs may be endangered by them.
10If the axe is dull and he does not sharpen its edge, then he must exert more strength. Wisdom has the advantage of bringing success.
King James Version
Chapter 10
5There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, as an error which proceedeth from the ruler: 6Folly is set in great dignity, and the rich sit in low place. 7I have seen servants upon horses, and princes walking as servants upon the earth. 8He that diggeth a pit shall fall into it; and whoso breaketh an hedge, a serpent shall bite him. 9Whoso removeth stones shall be hurt therewith; and he that cleaveth wood shall be endangered thereby. 10If the iron be blunt, and he do not whet the edge, then must he put to more strength: but wisdom is profitable to direct.Christian Standard Bible
Chapter 10
5There is an evil I have seen under the sun, an error proceeding from the presence of the ruler:
7I have seen slaves on horses, but princes walking on the ground like slaves.
8The one who digs a pit may fall into it, and the one who breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake.
9The one who quarries stones may be hurt by them; the one who splits logs may be endangered by them.
10If the ax is dull, and one does not sharpen its edge, then one must exert more strength; however, the advantage of wisdom is that it brings success.
New Living Translation
Chapter 10
5There is another evil I have seen under the sun. Kings and rulers make a grave mistake 6when they give great authority to foolish people and low positions to people of proven worth. 7I have even seen servants riding horseback like princes — and princes walking like servants!English Standard Version
New International Version
Chapter 10
5There is an evil I have seen under the sun, the sort of error that arises from a ruler: 6Fools are put in many high positions, while the rich occupy the low ones.New King James Version