Ecclesiastes 10:10
If the ax is blunt, and one doesn’t sharpen the edge, then he must use more strength; but skill brings success.
World English Bible
In The King James Version
In Context
9Whoever carves out stones may be injured by them. Whoever splits wood may be endangered by it.
11If the snake bites before it is charmed, then is there no profit for the charmer’s tongue.
Cross References
Genesis 41:33“Now therefore let Pharaoh look for a discreet and wise man, and set him over the land of Egypt.
1 Kings 3:9Give your servant therefore an understanding heart to judge your people, that I may discern between good and evil; for who is able to judge this great people of yours?”
2 Chronicles 23:4This is the thing that you must do: a third part of you, who come in on the Sabbath, of the priests and of the Levites, shall be gatekeepers of the thresholds.
Ecclesiastes 9:16Then I said, “Wisdom is better than strength.” Nevertheless the poor man’s wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard.
Ecclesiastes 10:15The labor of fools wearies every one of them; for he doesn’t know how to go to the city.
Acts 6:1Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, a complaint arose from the Hellenists against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily service.
Matthew Henry on Ecclesiastes 10:5-12
Mutual Duties of Princes and Subjects. 4 If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great offences. 5 There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, as an error which proceedeth from the ruler: 6 Folly is set in great dignity, and the rich sit in low place. 7 I have seen servants upon horses, and princes walking as servants upon the earth. 8 He that diggeth a pit shall fall into it; and whoso breaketh a hedge, a serpent shall bite him. 9 Whoso removeth stones… Read the whole commentary →