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


In Context

7 I have seen slaves on horseback, while princes go on foot like slaves.

8 Whoever digs a pit may fall into it; whoever breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake.

9 Whoever quarries stones may be injured by them; whoever splits logs may be endangered by them.

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

11 If a snake bites before it is charmed, there is no profit for the charmer.

12 Words from a wise man's mouth are gracious, but a fool is consumed by his own lips.

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 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.

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.