Parallel Verses
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.
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.
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
He who quarries stones is hurt by them, and he who splits logs is endangered by them.
10 If the
Names
Cross References
1 Corinthians 14:20
Brothers, do not be children in your thinking. Be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature.
Ephesians 5:15-17
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,
James 1:5
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
Genesis 41:33-39
Now therefore let Pharaoh select a discerning and wise man, and set him over the land of Egypt.
Exodus 18:19-23
Now obey my voice; I will give you advice, and God be with you! You shall represent the people before God and bring their cases to God,
1 Kings 3:9
Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?"
1 Chronicles 12:32
Of Issachar, men who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, 200 chiefs, and all their kinsmen under their command.
2 Chronicles 23:4-11
This is the thing that you shall do: of you priests and Levites who come off duty on the Sabbath, one third shall be gatekeepers
Ecclesiastes 9:15-17
But there was found in it a poor, wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city. Yet no one remembered that poor man.
Ecclesiastes 10:15
The toil of a fool wearies him, for he does not know the way to the city.
Matthew 10:16
"Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.
Acts 6:1-9
Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution.
Acts 15:2-21
And after Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and the elders about this question.
Romans 16:19
For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil.
Colossians 4:5
Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.