Verse Comparison: Ecclesiastes 10:11
American Standard Version
If the serpent bite before it is charmed, then is there no advantage in the charmer.
Amplified® Bible
If the serpent bites before it is charmed, then it is no use to call a charmer [and the slanderer is no better than the uncharmed snake].
Contemporary English Version
The power to charm a snake does you no good if it bites you anyway.
Darby English Version
If the serpent bite before enchantment, then the charmer hath no advantage.
Good News Bible
Knowing how to charm a snake is of no use if you let the snake bite first.
King James Version
Surely the serpent will bite without enchantment; and a babbler is no better.
New American Standard Bible
If the serpent bites before being charmed, there is no profit for the charmer.
New International Version
If a snake bites before it is charmed,
there is no profit for the charmer.
New King James Version
A serpent may bite when it is not charmed;
The babbler is no different.
N.A.S.B. in E-Prime
If the serpent bites before someone charms it, no profit exists for the charmer.
Revised Standard Version
If the serpent bites before it is charmed, there is no advantage in a charmer.
Young's Literal Translation
If the serpent biteth without enchantment, Then there is no advantage to a master of the tongue.
