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THE MESSAGE
Ecclesiastes 10:10
Remember: The duller the ax the harder the work; Use your head: The more brains, the less muscle.
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Christian Standard 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.
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.
Hebrew Names Version
If the ax is blunt, and one doesn't sharpen the edge, then he must use more strength; but skill brings success.
If the ax is blunt, and one doesn't sharpen the edge, then he must use more strength; but skill brings 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.
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.
English Standard Version
If the iron is blunt, and one does not sharpen the edge, he must use more strength, but wisdom helps one to succeed.
If the iron is blunt, and one does not sharpen the edge, he must use more strength, but wisdom helps one to succeed.
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 bringing success.
If the axe is dull and he does not sharpen its edge, then he must exert more strength. Wisdom has the advantage of bringing success.
New Century Version
A dull ax means harder work. Being wise will make it easier.
A dull ax means harder work. Being wise will make it easier.
Amplified Bible
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].
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].
World English Bible
If the ax is blunt, and one doesn't sharpen the edge, then he must use more strength; but skill brings success.
If the ax is blunt, and one doesn't sharpen the edge, then he must use more strength; but skill brings success.
Geneva Bible (1587)
If the yron be blunt, & one hath not whet the edge, he must then put to more strength: but the excellencie to direct a thing is wisedome.
If the yron be blunt, & one hath not whet the edge, he must then put to more strength: but the excellencie to direct a thing is wisedome.
Legacy 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.
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.
Berean Standard Bible
If the ax is dull and the blade unsharpened, more strength must be exerted, but skill will produce success.
If the ax is dull and the blade unsharpened, more strength must be exerted, but skill will produce success.
Contemporary English Version
If you don't sharpen your ax, it will be harder to use; if you are smart, you'll know what to do.
If you don't sharpen your ax, it will be harder to use; if you are smart, you'll know what to do.
Complete Jewish Bible
If the [hatchet's] iron [blade] is blunt, and [its user] doesn't sharpen it, he will have to exert more effort; but the expert has the advantage of his skill.
If the [hatchet's] iron [blade] is blunt, and [its user] doesn't sharpen it, he will have to exert more effort; but the expert has the advantage of his skill.
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.
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.
Easy-to-Read Version
But wisdom will make any job easier. It is very hard to cut with a dull knife. But if you sharpen the knife, the job is easier.
But wisdom will make any job easier. It is very hard to cut with a dull knife. But if you sharpen the knife, the job is easier.
George Lamsa Translation
Just as the edge of a weapon may be blunt, and not sharpened, and yet may cause many to be slain, so wisdom is more advantageous to those who are diligent.
Just as the edge of a weapon may be blunt, and not sharpened, and yet may cause many to be slain, so wisdom is more advantageous to those who are diligent.
Good News Translation
If your ax is dull and you don't sharpen it, you have to work harder to use it. It is smarter to plan ahead.
If your ax is dull and you don't sharpen it, you have to work harder to use it. It is smarter to plan ahead.
Lexham English 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.
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.
Literal Translation
If the iron is blunt, and he does not whet the mouths, then he must put more strength to it . But wisdom is an advantage giving success.
If the iron is blunt, and he does not whet the mouths, then he must put more strength to it . But wisdom is an advantage giving success.
Miles Coverdale Bible (1535)
When an yron is blont, and ye poynt not sharpened, it must be whett againe, and that with might: Euen so doth wi?dome folowe diligence.
When an yron is blont, and ye poynt not sharpened, it must be whett againe, and that with might: Euen so doth wi?dome folowe diligence.
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.
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.
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.
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.
JPS Old Testament (1917)
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.
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.
King James Version (1611)
If the yron be blunt, and he doe not whet the edge, then must he put to more strength: but wisedome is profitable to direct.
If the yron be blunt, and he doe not whet the edge, then must he put to more strength: but wisedome is profitable to direct.
Bishop's Bible (1568)
When an iron is blunt and the poynt not sharpened, it must be whet agayne, and that with might: Euen so doth wisdome folowe diligence.
When an iron is blunt and the poynt not sharpened, it must be whet agayne, and that with might: Euen so doth wisdome folowe diligence.
Brenton's Septuagint (LXX)
If the axe-head should fall off, then the man troubles his countenance, and he must put forth more strength: and in that case skill is of no advantage to a man.
If the axe-head should fall off, then the man troubles his countenance, and he must put forth more strength: and in that case skill is of no advantage to a man.
English Revised 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.
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.
Wycliffe Bible (1395)
If yrun is foldid ayen, and this is not as bifore, but is maad blunt, it schal be maad scharp with myche trauel; and wisdom schal sue aftir bisynesse.
If yrun is foldid ayen, and this is not as bifore, but is maad blunt, it schal be maad scharp with myche trauel; and wisdom schal sue aftir bisynesse.
Update Bible Version
If the iron is blunt, and one does not whet the edge, then he must use more strength: but wisdom is profitable to direct.
If the iron is blunt, and one does not whet the edge, then he must use more strength: but wisdom is profitable to direct.
Webster's Bible Translation
If the iron is blunt, and he doth not whet the edge, then must he use more strength: but wisdom [is] profitable to direct.
If the iron is blunt, and he doth not whet the edge, then must he use more strength: but wisdom [is] profitable to direct.
New English Translation
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.
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 King James Version
If the ax is dull, And one does not sharpen the edge, Then he must use more strength; But wisdom brings success.
If the ax is dull, And one does not sharpen the edge, Then he must use more strength; But wisdom brings success.
New Living Translation
Using a dull ax requires great strength, so sharpen the blade. That's the value of wisdom; it helps you succeed.
Using a dull ax requires great strength, so sharpen the blade. That's the value of wisdom; it helps you succeed.
New Life Bible
If the ax is not sharp and he does not make it sharp, then he must use more strength. Wisdom helps one to do well.
If the ax is not sharp and he does not make it sharp, then he must use more strength. Wisdom helps one to do well.
New Revised Standard
If the iron is blunt, and one does not whet the edge, then more strength must be exerted; but wisdom helps one to succeed.
If the iron is blunt, and one does not whet the edge, then more strength must be exerted; but wisdom helps one to succeed.
J.B. Rotherham 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.
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.
Douay-Rheims Bible
If the iron be blunt, and be not as before, but be made blunt, with much labour it shall be sharpened: and after industry shall follow wisdom.
If the iron be blunt, and be not as before, but be made blunt, with much labour it shall be sharpened: and after industry shall follow wisdom.
Revised Standard Version
If the iron is blunt, and one does not whet the edge, he must put forth more strength; but wisdom helps one to succeed.
If the iron is blunt, and one does not whet the edge, he must put forth more strength; but wisdom helps one to succeed.
Young's 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.
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.
New American Standard Bible (1995)
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.
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.
Contextual Overview
4 If a ruler loses his temper against you, don't panic; A calm disposition quiets intemperate rage. 5Here's a piece of bad business I've seen on this earth, An error that can be blamed on whoever is in charge: Immaturity is given a place of prominence, While maturity is made to take a backseat. I've seen unproven upstarts riding in style, While experienced veterans are put out to pasture. 8 Caution: The trap you set might catch you. Warning: Your accomplice in crime might double-cross you. 9 Safety first: Quarrying stones is dangerous. Be alert: Felling trees is hazardous. 10 Remember: The duller the ax the harder the work; Use your head: The more brains, the less muscle. 11 If the snake bites before it's been charmed, What's the point in then sending for the charmer?
Bible Verse Review
from Treasury of Scripure Knowledge
wisdom: Ecclesiastes 10:15, Ecclesiastes 9:15-17, Genesis 41:33-39, Exodus 18:19-23, 1 Kings 3:9, 1 Chronicles 12:32, 2 Chronicles 23:4-11, Matthew 10:16, Acts 6:1-9, Acts 15:2-21, Romans 16:19, 1 Corinthians 14:20, Ephesians 5:15-17, Colossians 4:5, James 1:5
Reciprocal: 2 Kings 6:5 - ax head Proverbs 2:11 - General Ecclesiastes 10:2 - but
Cross-References
Genesis 14:1
Then this: Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Kedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of Goiim went off to war to fight Bera king of Sodom, Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela, that is, Zoar.
Then this: Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Kedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of Goiim went off to war to fight Bera king of Sodom, Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela, that is, Zoar.
Isaiah 11:11
Also on that day, the Master for the second time will reach out to bring back what's left of his scattered people. He'll bring them back from Assyria, Egypt, Pathros, Ethiopia, Elam, Sinar, Hamath, and the ocean islands.
Also on that day, the Master for the second time will reach out to bring back what's left of his scattered people. He'll bring them back from Assyria, Egypt, Pathros, Ethiopia, Elam, Sinar, Hamath, and the ocean islands.
Isaiah 39:1
Sometime later, King Merodach-baladan son of Baladan of Babylon sent messengers with greetings and a gift to Hezekiah. He had heard that Hezekiah had been sick and was now well.
Sometime later, King Merodach-baladan son of Baladan of Babylon sent messengers with greetings and a gift to Hezekiah. He had heard that Hezekiah had been sick and was now well.
Jeremiah 50:21
"Attack Merathaim, land of rebels! Go after Pekod, country of doom! Hunt them down. Make a clean sweep." God 's Decree. "These are my orders. Do what I tell you.
"Attack Merathaim, land of rebels! Go after Pekod, country of doom! Hunt them down. Make a clean sweep." God 's Decree. "These are my orders. Do what I tell you.
Zechariah 5:11
He said, "East to the land of Shinar. They will build a garage to house it. When it's finished, the basket will be stored there."
He said, "East to the land of Shinar. They will build a garage to house it. When it's finished, the basket will be stored there."
Gill's Notes on the Bible
If the iron be blunt,.... With which a man cleaves wood: the axe, made of iron:
and he do not whet the edge; with some proper instrument to make it sharper, that it may cut the more easily;
then must he put to more strength; he must give a greater blow, strike the harder, and use more force; and yet it may not be sufficient, or; it may be to no purpose, and he himself may be in the greatest danger of being hurt; as such are who push things with all their might and main, without judgment and discretion;
but wisdom [is] profitable to direct; this is the "excellency" of wisdom, that it puts a man in the right way of doing things, and of doing them right; it directs him to take the best methods, and pursue the best ways and means of doing things, both for his own good and the good of others; and so it is better than strength, Ecclesiastes 9:16.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible
The figures seem to be taken from the work of building up and pulling down houses. In their general application, they recommend the man who would act wisely to be cautious when taking any step in life which involves risk.
Ecclesiastes 10:8
Breaketh an hedge - Rather: “breaks through a wall.”
Serpent - The habit of snakes is to nestle in a chink of a wall, or among stones (compare Amos 5:19).
Ecclesiastes 10:9
Be endangered - Rather: “cut himself.”
Clarke's Notes on the Bible
Verse Ecclesiastes 10:10. If the iron be blunt — If the axe have lost its edge, and the owner do not sharpen it, he must apply the more strength to make it cut: but the wisdom that is profitable to direct will teach him, that he should whet his axe, and spare his strength. Thus, without wisdom and understanding we cannot go profitably through the meanest concerns in life.
