Parallel Verses

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.

New American Standard Bible

If the axe is dull and he does not sharpen its edge, then he must exert more strength. Wisdom has the advantage of giving success.

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

If the ax is dull, and one does not sharpen its edge,
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.

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

English(KJV)
Strong's
Root Form
Definition
Usage
If the iron
בּרזל 
Barzel 
Usage: 76

be blunt
קהה 
Qahah 
set on edge, blunt
Usage: 4

and he do not whet
קלל 
Qalal 
Usage: 82

the edge
פּנים 
Paniym 
Usage: 2119

גּבר 
Gabar 
Usage: 25

חיל 
Chayil 
Usage: 243

but wisdom
חכמה 
Chokmah 
Usage: 149

יתרון 
Yithrown 
Usage: 10

References

Hastings

Context Readings

Hard Work And Skill Alone Cannot Succeed'Wisdom Is Necessary

9 Whoso removeth stones shall have travail withal; and he that heweth wood, shall be hurt therewith. 10 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. 11 A babbler of his tongue is no better than a serpent that stingeth without hissing.



Cross References

1 Corinthians 14:20

Brethren, be not children in wit. Howbeit, as concerning maliciousness be children: but in wit be perfect.

Ephesians 5:15-17

Take heed therefore that ye walk circumspectly - not as fools, but as wise -

James 1:5

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, which giveth to all men indifferently and casteth no man in the teeth; and it shall be given him.

Genesis 41:33-39

Now therefore, let Pharaoh provide for a man of understanding and wisdom, and set him over the land of Egypt.

Exodus 18:19-23

But hear my voice, and I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee. Be thou unto the people to Godward, and bring the causes unto God,

1 Kings 3:9

Give therefore unto thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, and to discern between good, and bad. For who is able to judge this, thy so weighty a people?"

1 Chronicles 12:32

And of the children of Issachar which were men that had understanding in the right time to know what Israel ought to do: The heads of them were two hundred, and all their brethren at their will.

2 Chronicles 23:4-11

This it is therefore that ye shall do. The third part of you priests and Levites which come in the Sabbath day, shall keep the doors;

Ecclesiastes 9:15-17

And in the city there was found a poor man - but he was wise - which with his wisdom delivered the city: yet was there no body, that had any respect for such a simple man.

Ecclesiastes 10:15

The labour of the foolish is grievous unto them, while they know not how to go in to the city.

Matthew 10:16

"Behold, I send you forth as sheep among wolves: Be ye therefore wise as serpents, and innocent as doves.

Acts 6:1-9

In those days, as the number of the disciples grew, there arose a grudge among the Greeks against the Hebrews, because their widows were despised in the daily ministration.

Acts 15:2-21

And when there was risen dissension and disputing not a little unto Paul and Barnabas, against them: they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should ascend to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.

Romans 16:19

for your obedience extendeth to all men. I am glad no doubt of you. But yet I would have you wise unto that which is good. And to be innocent as concerning evil.

Colossians 4:5

Walk wisely to them that are without, and redeem the time.

King James Version Public Domain

Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers.

International Standard Version Copyright © 1996-2008 by the ISV Foundation.

New American Standard Bible Copyright ©1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, Calif. All rights reserved. For Permission to Quote Information visit http://www.lockman.org

American Standard Version Public Domain

NET Bible copyright © 1996-2006 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. NetBible

Basic English, produced by Mr C. K. Ogden of the Orthological Institute - public domain