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.


In Context

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

8 He that diggeth a pit shall fall into it; and whoso breaketh through a fence, a serpent shall bite him.

9 Whoso heweth out stones shall be hurt therewith; and he that cleaveth wood is endangered thereby.

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

11 If the serpent bite before it be charmed, then is there no advantage in the charmer.

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 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.

The American 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.