Ecclesiastes 10:10

Translations

King James Version (KJV)

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.

American King James Version (AKJV)

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.

American Standard Version (ASV)

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.

Basic English Translation (BBE)

If the iron has no edge, and he does not make it sharp, then he has to put out more strength; but wisdom makes things go well.

Webster's Revision

If the iron is blunt, and he doth not whet the edge, then must he use more strength: but wisdom is profitable to direct.

World English Bible

If the axe is blunt, and one doesn't sharpen the edge, then he must use more strength; but skill brings success.

English Revised Version (ERV)

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.

Definitions for Ecclesiastes 10:10

Whet - To sharpen.

Clarke's Ecclesiastes 10:10 Bible Commentary

If the iron be blunt - If the axe have lost its edge, and the owner do not sharpen it, he must apply the more strength to make it cut: but the wisdom that is profitable to direct will teach him, that he should whet his axe, and spare his strength. Thus, without wisdom and understanding we cannot go profitably through the meanest concerns in life.

Wesley's Ecclesiastes 10:10 Bible Commentary

10:10 Wisdom - As wisdom instructs a man in the smallest matters, so it is useful for a man's direction in all weighty affairs.