Ecclesiastes 10:9-11

New Living Translation

⁹ When you work in a quarry,
    stones might fall and crush you.
When you chop wood,
    there is danger with each stroke of your ax.

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?