So I ask that you give me wisdom so that I can rule and judge the people in the right way. This will allow me to know the difference between right and wrong. Without this great wisdom, it is impossible to rule these great people.”
Ecclesiastes 10:10 - Easy To Read Version But wisdom will make any job easier. It is very hard to cut with a dull knife. But if a person sharpens the knife, then the job is easier. \{Wisdom is like that.\} Tuilleadh leaganachaKing 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. |
So I ask that you give me wisdom so that I can rule and judge the people in the right way. This will allow me to know the difference between right and wrong. Without this great wisdom, it is impossible to rule these great people.”
From the family of Issachar there were 200 wise leaders. Those men understood the right thing for Israel to do at the right time. Their relatives were with them and under their command.
A person might know how to control snakes. But that skill is useless if a snake bites someone when he is not around. \{Wisdom is like that.\}
A foolish person isn’t smart enough\par to find his way home,\par so he must work hard all his life.\par
A person that moves large stones might be hurt by them. And a person that cuts trees is in danger—\{the trees might fall on him\}.
I saw that wisdom is better than foolishness in the same way that light is better than darkness.
Wisdom is better than swords and spears\par in war.\par But one foolish person {\cf2\super [38]} can destroy\par much good.\par
“Listen! I am sending you, and you will be like sheep among wolves. So be smart like snakes. But also be like doves and do nothing wrong.
All the believers have heard that you obey. So I am very happy because of you. But I want you to be wise about the things that are good. And I want you to know nothing about things that are evil.
Brothers and sisters, don’t think like children. In evil things be like babies. But in your thinking you should be like full-grown people.
I swear (promise), I will sharpen my flashing sword. I will use it to punish my enemies. I will give them the punishment they deserve.
Be wise in the way you act with those people who are not believers. Use your time in the best way you can.
But if any of you needs wisdom, then you should ask God for it. God is generous. He enjoys giving to all people. So God will give you wisdom.