Parallel Verses
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.
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 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 Whoever removes stones shall be hurt with them. He who splits wood shall be endangered by it. 10 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. 11 Surely the snake will bite without enchantment; and a babbler is no better.
Names
Cross References
1 Corinthians 14:20
Brothers, do not be children in your minds, but in malice be like infants, and in your minds be mature.
Ephesians 5:15-17
See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
James 1:5
But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and with no reproach, and it shall be given to him.
Genesis 41:33-39
Now therefore let Pharaoh look for a man who is discreet and wise, and set him over the land of Egypt.
Exodus 18:19-23
Listen now to my voice; I will give you counsel, and God will be with you. You be for the people toward God, that you may bring the causes to God.
1 Kings 3:9
And give to Your servant an understanding heart, to judge Your people, to discern between good and bad. For who is able to judge this, Your great people?
1 Chronicles 12:32
And from the sons of Issachar, men who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, the heads of them were two hundred. And all their brothers were at their command.
2 Chronicles 23:4-11
This is the thing that you shall do. A third part of you entering on the sabbath, of the priests and of the Levites, shall be keepers of the doors.
Ecclesiastes 9:15-17
And a poor wise man was found in it, and he by his wisdom delivered the city; yet no man remembered that poor man.
Ecclesiastes 10:15
The labor of fools wearies him, because he does not know how to go to the city.
Matthew 10:16
Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be as wise as serpents and as harmless as doves.
Acts 6:1-9
And in those days, the disciples having multiplied, a murmuring of the Hellenists against the Hebrews occurred, because their widows were overlooked in the daily serving.
Acts 15:2-21
Therefore dissension and not a little disputation occurring by Paul and Barnabas, they appointed Paul and Barnabas and certain others of them to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders about this question.
Romans 16:19
For your obedience reached to all. Therefore I am glad on your behalf, But I would have you truly wise as to good, and simple toward evil.
Colossians 4:5
Walk in wisdom toward those on the outside, redeeming the time.