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.


In Context

7 I have seen servants on horses, and princes walking as servants on the earth.

8 He that digs a pit shall fall into it; and whoever breaks an hedge, a serpent shall bite him.

9 Whoever removes stones shall be hurt therewith; and he that splits wood shall be endangered thereby.

10 If the iron be blunt, and he do not whet the edge, then must he put to more strength: but wisdom is profitable to direct.

11 Surely the serpent will bite without enchantment; and a babbler is no better.

12 The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself.

Ecclesiastes 10:10 in Other Translations

The King James Version of the Holy Bible

10:10If the iron be blunt, and he do not whet the edge, then must he put to more strength: but wisdom [is] profitable to direct.

The New International Version of the Holy Bible

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

The Douay-Rheims Version of the Holy Bible

10:10If the iron be blunt, and be not as before, but be made blunt, with much labour it shall be sharpened: and after industry shall follow wisdom.

The American Standard Version of the Holy Bible

10:10If the iron be blunt, and one do not whet the edge, then must he put to more strength: but wisdom is profitable to direct.

The Darby Bible Translation of the Holy Bible

10:10If the iron be blunt, and one do not whet the edge, then must he apply more strength; but wisdom is profitable to give success.

The English Revised Version of the Holy Bible

10:10If the iron be blunt, and one do not whet the edge, then must he put to more strength: but wisdom is profitable to direct.

The Webster Bible Translation of the Holy Bible

10:10If the iron is blunt, and he doth not whet the edge, then must he use more strength: but wisdom is profitable to direct.

The World English Bible Translation of the Holy Bible

10:10If the axe is blunt, and one doesn't sharpen the edge, then he must use more strength; but skill brings success.

The Young's Literal Translation of the Holy Bible

10:10If the iron hath been blunt, And he the face hath not sharpened, Then doth he increase strength, And wisdom is advantageous to make right.