Verse Comparison: Ecclesiastes 10:10
American Standard Version
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.
Amplified® Bible
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.
Contemporary English Version
If you don't sharpen your ax, it will be harder to use; if you are smart, you'll know what to do.
Darby English Version
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.
Good News Bible
If your ax is dull and you don't sharpen it, you have to work harder to use it. It is smarter to plan ahead.
King James Version
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.
New American Standard Bible
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.
New International Version
If the ax is dull
and its edge unsharpened,
more strength is needed
but skill will bring success.
New King James Version
If the ax is dull,
And one does not sharpen the edge,
Then he must use more strength;
But wisdom brings success.
N.A.S.B. in E-Prime
If the axe has dullness and he does not sharpen its edge, then he must exert more strength. Wisdom has the advantage of giving success.
Revised Standard Version
If the iron is blunt, and one does not whet the edge, he must put forth more strength; but wisdom helps one to succeed.
Young's Literal Translation
If the iron hath been blunt, And he the face hath not sharpened, Then doth he increase strength, And wisdom `is' advantageous to make right.
