Parallel Verses
Darby Translation
If the iron be blunt, and one do not whet the edge, then must he apply more strength; but wisdom is profitable to give success.
New American Standard Bible
If the
King James Version
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.
Holman Bible
then one must exert more strength;
however, the advantage of wisdom is that it brings success.
International Standard Version
If someone's ax is blunt the edge isn't sharpened then more strength will be needed. Putting wisdom to work will bring success.
A Conservative Version
If the iron be blunt, and he does not whet the edge, then he must increase strength. But wisdom is advantageous to make right.
American Standard Version
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.
Amplified
If the axe is dull and he does not sharpen its edge, then he must exert more strength; but wisdom [to sharpen the axe] helps him succeed [with less effort].
Bible in Basic English
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.
Julia Smith Translation
If the iron became dull and he polished not the face, and he will strengthen the forces: and wisdom will make preeminence to prosper.
King James 2000
If the iron is blunt, and he does not sharpen the edge, then must he use more strength: but wisdom helps one to succeed.
Lexham Expanded Bible
If the ax is blunt but one does not sharpen its edge, {he must exert more effort}, but the advantage of wisdom [is] it brings success.
Modern King James verseion
If the iron is blunt, and he does not whet the edge, then he must put more strength to it. But wisdom is profitable to direct.
Modern Spelling Tyndale-Coverdale
When an iron is blunt, and the point not sharpened, it must be whet again, and that with might. Even so doth wisdom follow diligence.
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.
New Heart English Bible
If the axe is blunt, and one doesn't sharpen the edge, then he must use more strength; but skill brings success.
The Emphasized Bible
If, blunt, be the iron, and, himself, hath not sharpened, the edge, then, much force, must he apply, - but, an advantage for giving success, is wisdom.
Webster
If the iron is blunt, and he doth not whet the edge, then must he use more strength: but wisdom is profitable to direct.
World English Bible
If the axe is blunt, and one doesn't sharpen the edge, then he must use more strength; but skill brings success.
Youngs Literal Translation
If the iron hath been blunt, And he the face hath not sharpened, Then doth he increase strength, And wisdom is advantageous to make right.
Interlinear
Paniym
Gabar
References
Hastings
Word Count of 20 Translations in Ecclesiastes 10:10
Verse Info
Context Readings
Hard Work And Skill Alone Cannot Succeed'Wisdom Is Necessary
9 Whoso removeth stones is hurt therewith; he that cleaveth wood is endangered thereby. 10 If the iron be blunt, and one do not whet the edge, then must he apply more strength; but wisdom is profitable to give success. 11 If the serpent bite before enchantment, then the charmer hath no advantage.
Names
Cross References
1 Corinthians 14:20
Brethren, be not children in your minds, but in malice be babes; but in your minds be grown men.
Ephesians 5:15-17
See therefore how ye walk carefully, not as unwise but as wise,
James 1:5
But if any one of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all freely and reproaches not, and it shall be given to him:
Genesis 41:33-39
And now let Pharaoh look himself out a man discreet and wise, and set him over the land of Egypt.
Exodus 18:19-23
Hearken now to my voice: I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee. Be thou for the people with God, and bring the matters before God;
1 Kings 3:9
Give therefore to thy servant an understanding heart, to judge thy people, to discern between good and bad; for who is able to judge this thy numerous people?
1 Chronicles 12:32
And of the children of Issachar, who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their bidding.
2 Chronicles 23:4-11
This is the thing which ye shall do: a third part of you that come in on the sabbath, of the priests and of the Levites, shall be keepers of the doors;
Ecclesiastes 9:15-17
and there was found in it a poor wise man, who by his wisdom delivered the city; but no man remembered that poor man.
Ecclesiastes 10:15
The labour of fools wearieth them, because they know not how to go to the city.
Matthew 10:16
Behold, I send you as sheep in the midst of wolves; be therefore prudent as the serpents, and guileless as the doves.
Acts 6:1-9
But in those days, the disciples multiplying in number, there arose a murmuring of the Hellenists against the Hebrews because their widows were overlooked in the daily ministration.
Acts 15:2-21
A commotion therefore having taken place, and no small discussion on the part of Paul and Barnabas against them, they arranged that Paul and Barnabas, and certain others from amongst them, should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders about this question.
Romans 16:19
For your obedience has reached to all. I rejoice therefore as it regards you; but I wish you to be wise as to that which is good, and simple as to evil.
Colossians 4:5
Walk in wisdom towards those without, redeeming opportunities.