NASB
"If the axe is dull and he does not sharpen its edge, then he must exert more strength. Wisdom has the advantage of giving success."
— Ecclesiastes 10:10, NASB
“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.”
“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. ”
“If the axe is blunt, and one doesn't sharpen the edge, then he must use more strength; but skill brings success.”
“If an iron axhead is blunt and a workman does not sharpen its edge, he must exert a great deal of effort; so wisdom has the advantage of giving success.”
“If 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.”
“If the iron has no edge, and he does not make it sharp, then he has to put out more strength; but wisdom makes things go well.”
“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.”
I have seen slaves riding on horses and princes walking like slaves on the land.
He who digs a pit may fall into it, and a serpent may bite him who breaks through a wall.
He who quarries stones may be hurt by them, and he who splits logs may be endangered by them.
If the axe is dull and he does not sharpen its edge, then he must exert more strength. Wisdom has the advantage of giving success.
If the serpent bites before being charmed, there is no profit for the charmer.
Words from the mouth of a wise man are gracious, while the lips of a fool consume him;
the beginning of his talking is folly and the end of it is wicked madness.