September 24: Ecclesiastes 10–12; Psalm 78:40–72; Acts 1

Old Testament: Ecclesiastes 10–12 Ecclesiastes 10–12 (Listen) 10   Dead flies make the perfumer’s ointment give off a stench;<br />    so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor.<br />2   A wise man’s heart inclines him to the right,<br />    but a fool’s heart to the left.<br />3   Even when the fool walks on the road, he lacks sense,<br />    and he says to everyone that he is a fool.<br />4   If the anger of the ruler rises against you, do not leave your place,<br />    for calmness1 will lay great offenses to rest.<br /> 5 There is an evil that I have seen under the sun, as it were an error proceeding from the ruler: 6 folly is set in many high places, and the rich sit in a low place. 7 I have seen slaves on horses, and princes walking on the ground like slaves. 8   He who digs a pit will fall into it,<br />    and a serpent will bite him who breaks through a wall.<br />9   He who quarries stones is hurt by them,<br />    and he who splits logs is endangered by them.<br />10   If the iron is blunt, and one does not sharpen the edge,<br />    he must use more strength,<br />    but wisdom helps one to succeed.