NET Bible
"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."
— Ecclesiastes 10:10, NET Bible
“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 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 on horseback and princes walking on foot like slaves.
Wisdom is Needed to Avert Dangers in Everyday Life One who digs a pit may fall into it, and one who breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake.
One who quarries stones may be injured by them; one who splits logs may be endangered by them.
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 snake should bite before it is charmed, the snake charmer is in trouble.
Words and Works of Wise Men and Fools The words of a wise person win him favor, but the words of a fool are self-destructive.
At the beginning his words are foolish and at the end his talk is wicked madness,