"If the iron be blunt, and he do not whet the edge, then must he put to more strength: but wisdom {is} profitable to dire…" — Ecclesiastes 10:10

Ecclesiastes 10:10 · 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.”

— Ecclesiastes 10:10

Verse 9

Whoso removeth stones shall be hurt therewith; {and} he that cleaveth wood shall be endangered thereby.

Verse 11

Surely the serpent will bite without enchantment; and a babbler is no better. {a babbler: Heb. the master of the tongue}

Ecclesiastes 10 — Context

He that diggeth a pit shall fall into it; and whoso breaketh an hedge, a serpent shall bite him.

Whoso removeth stones shall be hurt therewith; {and} he that cleaveth wood shall be endangered thereby.

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.

Surely the serpent will bite without enchantment; and a babbler is no better. {a babbler: Heb. the master of the tongue}

The words of a wise man's mouth {are} gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself. {gracious: Heb. grace}

Cross References

James 1:5

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all {men} liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

Colossians 4:5

Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.

Ecclesiastes 10:15

The labour of the foolish wearieth every one of them, because he knoweth not how to go to the city.

1 Corinthians 14:20

Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men. {men: Gr. perfect, or, of a ripe age}

Ephesians 5:15-17

See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,

1 Kings 3:9

Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people? {understanding: Heb. hearing}

Romans 16:19

For your obedience is come abroad unto all {men}. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil. {simple: or, harmless}

Genesis 41:33-39

Now therefore let Pharaoh look out a man discreet and wise, and set him over the land of Egypt.