Give thy servant therefore an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and evil; for who is able to judge this thy great people?
Ecclesiastes 10:10 - Revised Version with Apocrypha 1895 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. 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 thy servant therefore an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and evil; for who is able to judge this thy great people?
And of the children of Issachar, men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment.
If the serpent bite before it be charmed, then is there no advantage in the charmer.
The labour of fools wearieth every one of them, for he knoweth not how to go to the city.
Whoso heweth out stones shall be hurt therewith; and he that cleaveth wood is endangered thereby.
Then I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light excelleth darkness.
Wisdom is better than weapons of war: but one sinner destroyeth much good.
Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I rejoice therefore over you: but I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple unto that which is evil.
Brethren, be not children in mind: howbeit in malice be ye babes, but in mind be men.
If I whet my glittering sword, And mine hand take hold on judgement; I will render vengeance to mine adversaries, And will recompense them that hate me.
But if any of you lacketh wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all liberally and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.