Ecclesiastes 10:10-12

New Life Version

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. ¹¹ If the snake bites before it is put under a man’s power, it will not be of help to the man who would have power over it. ¹² The words of a wise man’s mouth are kind, but the lips of a fool destroy him.