MKJV
KJV
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.
ASV
10. 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.
ESV
10. If the iron is blunt, and one does not sharpen the edge, he must use more strength, but wisdom helps one to succeed.
ERVEN
10. But wisdom will make any job easier. It is very hard to cut with a dull knife. But if you sharpen the knife, the job is easier.
NLT
10. Using a dull ax requires great strength, so sharpen the blade. That's the value of wisdom; it helps you succeed.
WEB
10. If the axe is blunt, and one doesn't sharpen the edge, then he must use more strength; but skill brings success.
NET
10. If an iron axhead is blunt and a workman does not sharpen its edge, he must exert a great deal of effort; so wisdom has the advantage of giving success.
NLV
10. If the ax is not sharp and he does not make it sharp, then he must use more strength. Wisdom helps one to do well.
HCSB
10. If the axe is dull, and one does not sharpen its edge, then one must exert more strength; however, the advantage of wisdom is that it brings success.
YLT
10. 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.
LITV
10. If the iron is blunt, and he does not whet the mouths, then he must put more strength to it. But wisdom is an advantage giving success.
RV
10. 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.
NCV
10. A dull ax means harder work. Being wise will make it easier.
AKJV
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.
LXXEN
10. If the axe-head should fall off, then the man troubles his countenance, and he must put forth more strength: and in that case skill is of no advantage to a man. [Alex. for tw andri ou reads tou andreiou; Wisdom is the advantage of an energetic man]
KJV
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.
AMP
10. If the ax is dull and the man does not whet the edge, he must put forth more strength; but wisdom helps him to succeed.
KJVP
10. If H518 PART the iron H1270 be blunt H6949 , and he H1931 W-PPRO-3MS do not H3808 NADV whet H7043 the edge H6440 NMP , then must he put to H1396 more strength H2428 : but wisdom H2451 NFS [ is ] profitable H3504 to direct H3787 .
YLT
10. 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.
ASV
10. 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.
WEB
10. If the axe is blunt, and one doesn't sharpen the edge, then he must use more strength; but skill brings success.
NASB
10. If the iron becomes dull, though at first he made easy progress, he must increase his efforts; but the craftsman has the advantage of his skill.
ESV
10. If the iron is blunt, and one does not sharpen the edge, he must use more strength, but wisdom helps one to succeed.
RV
10. 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.
RSV
10. If the iron is blunt, and one does not whet the edge, he must put forth more strength; but wisdom helps one to succeed.
NKJV
10. If the ax is dull, And one does not sharpen the edge, Then he must use more strength; But wisdom brings success.
MKJV
10. If the iron is blunt, and he does not whet the edge, then he must put more strength to it. But wisdom is profitable to direct.
AKJV
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.
NRSV
10. If the iron is blunt, and one does not whet the edge, then more strength must be exerted; but wisdom helps one to succeed.
NIV
10. If the axe is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed but skill will bring success.
NIRV
10. Suppose the blade of an ax is dull. And its edge hasn't been sharpened. Then more effort is needed to use it. But skill will bring success.
NLT
10. Using a dull ax requires great strength, so sharpen the blade. That's the value of wisdom; it helps you succeed.
MSG
10. Remember: The duller the ax the harder the work; Use your head: The more brains, the less muscle.
GNB
10. If your ax is dull and you don't sharpen it, you have to work harder to use it. It is smarter to plan ahead.
NET
10. If an iron axhead is blunt and a workman does not sharpen its edge, he must exert a great deal of effort; so wisdom has the advantage of giving success.
ERVEN
10. But wisdom will make any job easier. It is very hard to cut with a dull knife. But if you sharpen the knife, the job is easier.