Ecclesiastes 10:10 - New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition 2021

¹⁰ 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 versions

King James Version (Oxford) 1769

¹⁰ 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

¹⁰ 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)

¹⁰ 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

¹⁰ 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

¹⁰ 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

¹⁰ 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.

Ecclesiastes 10:10 Cross References

1 Kings 3:9

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?”

1 Chronicles 12:32

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.

Ecclesiastes 10:11

If the snake bites before it is charmed, there is no advantage in a charmer.

Ecclesiastes 10:15

The toil of fools wears them out, for they do not even know the way to town.

Ecclesiastes 10:9

Whoever quarries stones will be hurt by them, and whoever splits logs will be endangered by them.

Ecclesiastes 2:13

Then I saw that wisdom excels folly as light excels darkness.

Ecclesiastes 9:18

Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one bungler destroys much good.

Matthew 10:16

“I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.

Romans 16:19

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.

1 Corinthians 14:20

Brothers and sisters, do not be children in your thinking; rather, be infants in evil, but in thinking be adults.

Deuteronomy 32:41

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.

Colossians 4:5

Conduct yourselves wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time.

James 1:5

If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given you.