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. Treasury of Scripture wisdom Ecclesiastes 10:15 The labor of the foolish wearies every one of them, because he knows not how to go to the city. Ecclesiastes 9:15-17 Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city; yet no man remembered that same poor man... Genesis 41:33-39 Now therefore let Pharaoh look out a man discreet and wise, and set him over the land of Egypt... Exodus 18:19-23 Listen now to my voice, I will give you counsel, and God shall be with you: Be you for the people to God-ward... 1 Kings 8:9 There was nothing in the ark save the two tables of stone, which Moses put there at Horeb... 1 Chronicles 12:32 And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do... 2 Chronicles 23:4-11 This is the thing that you shall do; A third part of you entering on the sabbath, of the priests and of the Levites... Matthew 10:16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the middle of wolves: be you therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. Acts 6:1-9 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews... Acts 15:2 When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas... Romans 16:19 For your obedience is come abroad to all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise to that which is good... 1 Corinthians 14:20 Brothers, be not children in understanding: however, in malice be you children, but in understanding be men. Ephesians 5:15-17 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise... Colossians 4:5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that gives to all men liberally, and upbraides not; and it shall be given him.
Context Wisdom and Folly
1Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking smell: so does a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honor. 2A wise man's heart is at his right hand; but a fool's heart at his left. 3Yes also, when he that is a fool walks by the way, his wisdom fails him, and he said to every one that he is a fool. 4If the spirit of the ruler rise up against you, leave not your place; for yielding pacifies great offenses. 5There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, as an error which proceeds from the ruler: 6Folly is set in great dignity, and the rich sit in low place. 7I have seen servants on horses, and princes walking as servants on the earth. 8He that digs a pit shall fall into it; and whoever breaks an hedge, a serpent shall bite him. 9Whoever removes stones shall be hurt therewith; and he that splits wood shall be endangered thereby. 10If the iron be blunt, and he do not whet the edge, then must he put to more strength: but wisdom is profitable to direct. 11Surely the serpent will bite without enchantment; and a babbler is no better. 12The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself. 13The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness: and the end of his talk is mischievous madness. 14A fool also is full of words: a man cannot tell what shall be; and what shall be after him, who can tell him? 15The labor of the foolish wearies every one of them, because he knows not how to go to the city. 16Woe to you, O land, when your king is a child, and your princes eat in the morning! 17Blessed are you, O land, when your king is the son of nobles, and your princes eat in due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness! 18By much slothfulness the building decays; and through idleness of the hands the house drops through. 19A feast is made for laughter, and wine makes merry: but money answers all things. 20Curse not the king, no not in your thought; and curse not the rich in your bedchamber: for a bird of the air shall carry the voice, and that which has wings shall tell the matter. Parallel Verses American Standard Version
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.
Douay-Rheims Bible
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.
Darby Bible Translation
If the iron be blunt, and one do not whet the edge, then must he apply more strength; but wisdom is profitable to give success.
King James Bible
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.
Young's Literal Translation
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.
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