King James Version (KJV) Authorized Version 1611
Read Full Chapter (Ecclesiastes 10) Ecclesiastes 10:10-11 KJV
"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. Surely the serpent will bite without enchantment; and a babbler is no better."
Ecclesiastes Chapter 10, Verse 10-11
Ecclesiastes 10:10-11 in Context (Verses 7–14 KJV)
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 an hedge, a serpent shall bite him.
9
Whoso removeth stones shall be hurt therewith; and he that cleaveth wood shall be endangered thereby.
10
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.
11
Surely the serpent will bite without enchantment; and a babbler is no better.*
12
The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself.*
13
The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness: and the end of his talk is mischievous madness.*
14
A fool also is full of words: a man cannot tell what shall be; and what shall be after him, who can tell him?*