Ecclesiastes 10:4-10

New International Version

⁴ If a ruler’s anger rises against you,
    do not leave your post;^(A)
    calmness can lay great offenses to rest.^(B)

⁵ There is an evil I have seen under the sun,
    the sort of error that arises from a ruler:
⁶ Fools are put in many high positions,^(C)
    while the rich occupy the low ones.
⁷ I have seen slaves on horseback,
    while princes go on foot like slaves.^(D)

⁸ Whoever digs a pit may fall into it;^(E)
    whoever breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake.^(F)
9 Whoever quarries stones may be injured by them;
    whoever splits logs may be endangered by them.^(G)

¹⁰ If the ax is dull
    and its edge unsharpened,
more strength is needed,
    but skill will bring success.