Ecclesiastes 10:10–11

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10 If the ax is dull

and its edge unsharpened,

more strength is needed,

but skill will bring success.

11 If a snake bites before it is charmed,

the charmer receives no fee.

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.

11 Surely the serpent will bite without enchantment; and a babbler is no better.

10 Using a dull ax requires great strength,

so sharpen the blade.

That’s the value of wisdom;

it helps you succeed.

11 If a snake bites before you charm it,

what’s the use of being a snake charmer?

10 If the ax is dull,

And one does not sharpen the edge,

Then he must use more strength;

But wisdom brings success.

11 A serpent may bite when it is not charmed;

The babbler is no different.

10 A dull ax means

harder work.

Being wise will make it easier.

11 If a snake bites the tamer before it is tamed,

what good is the tamer?

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. 11 If the serpent bite before it is charmed, then is there no advantage in the charmer.

10 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. 11 If the serpent bite before enchantment, then the charmer hath no advantage.

10 If an ax is blunt and the edge isn’t sharpened, then one has to use more strength. But wisdom prepares the way for success. 11 If a snake bites before it has been charmed, then there is no advantage in being a snake charmer. 

10 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.

11 If the snake bites before it is charmed,

then there is no advantage for the charmer.

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.

11 If the snake bites before it is charmed,

there is no advantage in a charmer.

10 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.

11 If the snake bites before the charming,

the snake charmer will not succeed.

10 Suppose the blade of an ax is dull.

And its edge hasn’t been sharpened.

Then more effort is needed to use it.

But skill will bring success.

11 Suppose a snake bites before it is charmed.

Then there isn’t any benefit in being a snake charmer.

10 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.

11 If the serpent bites before being charmed, there is no profit for the charmer.