Give your servant, therefore, an understanding mind to govern your people, able to discern between good and evil, for who can govern this great people of yours?”
Ecclesiastes 10:10 - New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition 2021 If the iron is blunt and one does not whet the edge, then more strength must be exerted, but wisdom helps one to succeed. More versionsKing James Version (Oxford) 1769 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. Amplified Bible - Classic Edition If the ax is dull and the man does not whet the edge, he must put forth more strength; but wisdom helps him to succeed. American Standard Version (1901) 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. Common English Bible If an ax is dull and one doesn’t sharpen it first, then one must exert more force. It’s profitable to be skillful and wise. Catholic Public Domain Version If the iron is dull, and if it was not that way before, but has been made dull by much labor, then it will be sharpened. And wisdom will follow after diligence. Douay-Rheims version of The Bible - 1752 version 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. |
Give your servant, therefore, an understanding mind to govern your people, able to discern between good and evil, for who can govern this great people of yours?”
Of Issachar, those who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, two hundred chiefs, and all their kindred under their command.
If the snake bites before it is charmed, there is no advantage in a charmer.
The toil of fools wears them out, for they do not even know the way to town.
Whoever quarries stones will be hurt by them, and whoever splits logs will be endangered by them.
Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one bungler destroys much good.
“I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.
For your obedience is known to all; therefore, I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise in what is good and guileless in what is evil.
Brothers and sisters, do not be children in your thinking; rather, be infants in evil, but in thinking be adults.
when I whet my flashing sword and my hand takes hold on judgment, I will take vengeance on my adversaries and will repay those who hate me.
Conduct yourselves wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time.
If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given you.