9 There is a prosperity that a man finds in misfortunes;

and there is a gain that turns to loss.

10 There is a gift that will not profit you;

and there is a gift that pays back double.

11 There are losses because of glory;

and there is one who has lifted up his head from a low estate.

12 There is one who buys much for a little,

and pays for it again sevenfold.

13 He who is wise in words will make himself beloved;

but the pleasantries of fools will be wasted.

14 The gift of a fool will not profit you,[fn]

for he looks for repayment many times instead of one.

15 He will give little and insult much.

He will open his mouth like a crier.

Today he will lend, and tomorrow he will ask for it back.

Such a one is a hateful man.

16 The fool will say, “I have no friend,

and I have no thanks for my good deeds.

Those who eat my bread have an evil tongue.”

17 How often, and of how many, will he be laughed to scorn![fn]