Ecclesiastes 10:9-11
Contemporary English Version
9 You could even get hurt
by chiseling a stone
or chopping a log.
10 If you don't sharpen your ax,
it will be harder to use;
if you are wise,
you'll know what to do.[a]
11 The power to charm a snake
does you no good
if it bites you anyway.
Footnotes
- 10.10 do: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text of verse 10.
Ecclesiastes 10:9-11
New International Version
9 Whoever quarries stones may be injured by them;
whoever splits logs may be endangered by them.(A)
10 If the ax is dull
and its edge unsharpened,
more strength is needed,
but skill will bring success.
11 If a snake bites before it is charmed,
the charmer receives no fee.(B)
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