Ecclesiastes 10:10
Ecclesiastes 10:10 in Multiple Translations
If the axe is dull and the blade unsharpened, more strength must be exerted, but skill produces success.
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.
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.
If the iron has no edge, and he does not make it sharp, then he has to put out more strength; but wisdom makes things go well.
If your ax is blunt and you don't sharpen it, you have to use a lot more force. Conclusion: being wise brings good results.
If the yron be blunt, and one hath not whet the edge, he must then put to more strength: but the excellencie to direct a thing is wisedome.
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.
If the ax is blunt, and one doesn’t sharpen the edge, then he must use more strength; but skill brings success.
If the iron is blunt, and he doth not whet the edge, then must he use more strength: but wisdom is profitable to direct.
If the iron be blunt, and be not as before, but be made blunt, with much labour it shall be sharpened: and after industry shall follow wisdom.
If your axe is not sharp [DOU], you will need to work harder to cut down a tree, but by being wise, you will succeed.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ecclesiastes 10:10
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Ecclesiastes 10:10 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ecclesiastes 10:10
Study Notes — Ecclesiastes 10:10
- Context
- Cross References
- Ecclesiastes 10:10 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 10:10
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 10:10
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 10:10
- Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 10:10
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 10:10
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 10:10
- Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 10:10
- Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 10:10
- Sermons on Ecclesiastes 10:10
Context — Wisdom and Folly
10If the axe is dull and the blade unsharpened, more strength must be exerted, but skill produces success.
11If the snake bites before it is charmed, there is no profit for the charmer. 12The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool consume him.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | James 1:5 | Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. |
| 2 | Colossians 4:5 | Act wisely toward outsiders, redeeming the time. |
| 3 | Ecclesiastes 10:15 | The toil of a fool wearies him, for he does not know the way to the city. |
| 4 | 1 Corinthians 14:20 | Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be mature. |
| 5 | Ephesians 5:15–17 | Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. |
| 6 | 1 Kings 3:9 | Therefore give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?” |
| 7 | Romans 16:19 | Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice over you. But I want you to be wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil. |
| 8 | Genesis 41:33–39 | Now, therefore, Pharaoh should look for a discerning and wise man and set him over the land of Egypt. Let Pharaoh take action and appoint commissioners over the land to take a fifth of the harvest of Egypt during the seven years of abundance. Under the authority of Pharaoh, let them collect all the excess food from these good years, that they may come and lay up the grain to be preserved as food in the cities. This food will be a reserve for the land during the seven years of famine to come upon the land of Egypt. Then the country will not perish in the famine.” This proposal pleased Pharaoh and all his officials. So Pharaoh asked them, “Can we find anyone like this man, in whom the Spirit of God abides?” Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one as discerning and wise as you. |
| 9 | Ecclesiastes 9:15–17 | Now a poor wise man was found in the city, and he saved the city by his wisdom. Yet no one remembered that poor man. And I said, “Wisdom is better than strength, but the wisdom of the poor man is despised, and his words are not heeded.” The calm words of the wise are heeded over the shouts of a ruler among fools. |
| 10 | Acts 6:1–9 | In those days when the disciples were increasing in number, the Grecian Jews among them began to grumble against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. So the Twelve summoned all the disciples and said, “It is unacceptable for us to neglect the word of God in order to wait on tables. Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men confirmed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will appoint this responsibility to them and will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, as well as Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. They presented these seven to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. So the word of God continued to spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem grew rapidly, and a great number of priests became obedient to the faith. Now Stephen, who was full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people. But resistance arose from what was called the Synagogue of the Freedmen, including Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and men from the provinces of Cilicia and Asia. They began to argue with Stephen, |
Ecclesiastes 10:10 Summary
This verse teaches us that having the right skills and approach is important for achieving success and making our efforts more effective. It's like the difference between using a sharp axe and a dull one - with a sharp axe, you can accomplish more with less effort. As seen in other parts of the Bible, such as Proverbs 22:29, skill and diligence can lead to recognition and prosperity. By combining hard work with wisdom and the right skills, we can make the most of our time and talents, just as the Bible encourages us to be good stewards of what God has given us (Matthew 25:14-30).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for an axe to be dull and unsharpened in Ecclesiastes 10:10?
In this context, a dull axe represents a lack of preparation or ineffective approach to a task, requiring more effort to achieve the desired result, as seen in the need for more strength to be exerted (Ecclesiastes 10:10).
How does skill produce success according to Ecclesiastes 10:10?
Skill producing success means that having the right approach, knowledge, or expertise can lead to effective and efficient results, much like how a sharp axe can make a significant difference in accomplishing a task, as hinted at in Proverbs 24:3-4 where wisdom and knowledge lead to a well-established and prosperous life.
Is this verse suggesting that hard work is not necessary for success?
No, the verse is not diminishing the importance of hard work; rather, it emphasizes the value of combining effort with skill and wisdom, as also taught in Proverbs 10:4-5, where diligence and wisdom are both praised as essential for prosperity and success.
How can I apply the principle of skill producing success in my own life?
By seeking wisdom, preparing well, and approaching tasks with the right mindset and skills, as encouraged in Psalm 90:12, where we are taught to number our days and gain a heart of wisdom, thus making the most of our time and efforts.
Reflection Questions
- In what areas of my life do I need to sharpen my skills or approach to achieve better results?
- How can I balance the need for strength and effort with the importance of skill and wisdom in my daily tasks and goals?
- What are some ways I can cultivate wisdom and skill in my life, according to biblical principles?
- How does this verse relate to the idea of stewardship and making the most of the resources and talents God has given me, as discussed in Matthew 25:14-30?
Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 10:10
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 10:10
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 10:10
Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 10:10
Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 10:10
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 10:10
Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 10:10
Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 10:10
Sermons on Ecclesiastes 10:10
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Some More Particular Directions for Maintaining Continual Communion With God by Philip Doddridge | Philip Doddridge preaches about the importance of maintaining a devout, spiritual, and heavenly character in daily life, emphasizing the need for self-examination, prayer, and devo |
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Aaron's Failure by Duncan Campbell | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of his daughter giving a testimony before leaving for Nepal. She attributes her faith and presence at the meeting to her pa |
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Deeper Waters - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill | Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the profound depth of the Gospel of John, particularly focusing on the themes of sanctification and the nature of Jesus as both divine and human. He ar |
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Trusting God Again Like a Child by Francis Chan | Francis Chan emphasizes the importance of trusting God with childlike faith, urging leaders to genuinely love their congregations and seek God's presence in their ministry. He refl |
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Prayer as a Way of Walking in Love - a Personal Journey by Francis Chan | This sermon emphasizes the importance of dwelling in the presence of God, seeking His beauty, and abiding in Him as the ultimate source of strength and peace. It highlights the nee |
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Book of James by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of staying faithful to God and not being enticed away by worldly distractions. He highlights the book of James as a powerful c |
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The Danger of Pharisaism by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Luke chapter twelve, verse forty-five, which talks about a slave who becomes abusive towards other slaves because he believes his master wil |






