Parallel Verses
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.
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.
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 Someone who quarries stone might be injured; someone splitting logs can fall into danger. 10 If someone's ax is blunt the edge isn't sharpened then more strength will be needed. Putting wisdom to work will bring success. 11 If a serpent strikes despite being charmed, there's no point in being a snake charmer.
Names
Cross References
1 Corinthians 14:20
Brothers, stop being childish in your thinking. Be like infants with respect to evil, but think like adults.
Ephesians 5:15-17
So, then, be careful how you live. Do not be unwise but wise,
James 1:5
Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to everyone generously without a rebuke, and it will be given to him.
Genesis 41:33-39
Therefore let Pharaoh select a wise, discerning person to place in charge over the land of Egypt.
Exodus 18:19-23
Now listen to me. I'll advise you, and may God be with you. You are to represent the people before God and bring the disputes to God.
1 Kings 3:9
So give your servant an understanding mind to govern your people, so I can discern between good and evil. Otherwise, how will I be able to govern this great people of yours?"
1 Chronicles 12:32
The tribe of Issachar supplied 200 leaders, along with all of their relatives under their command. They kept up-to-date in their understanding of the times and knew what Israel should do.
2 Chronicles 23:4-11
"Look! The king's son is going to rule, just as the LORD promised David's descendants. So here's what you'll need to do: One third of you priests and descendants of Levi who are on duty during the Sabbath will serve as guards at the temple gates.
Ecclesiastes 9:15-17
Now there was found within it a poor, but wise man. He delivered the city by his wisdom, but not one person remembered that poor man.
Ecclesiastes 10:15
The work of a fool so wears him out that he can't even find his way to town.
Matthew 10:16
"Pay attention, now! I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. So be as cunning as serpents and as innocent as doves.
Acts 6:1-9
In those days, as the number of the disciples was growing larger and larger, a complaint was made by the Hellenistic Jews against the Hebraic Jews that their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food.
Acts 15:2-21
Paul and Barnabas had quite a dispute and argument with them. So Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to confer with the apostles and elders about this question.
Romans 16:19
For your obedience has become known to everyone, and I am full of joy for you. But I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.
Colossians 4:5
Behave wisely toward outsiders, making the best use of your time.