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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.

11 If the serpent bites before it is charmed, then it is no use to call a charmer [and the slanderer is no better than the uncharmed snake].

12 The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious and win him favor, but the lips of a fool consume him.

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10 If the ax is dull
    and its edge unsharpened,
more strength is needed,
    but skill will bring success.

11 If a snake bites before it is charmed,
    the charmer receives no fee.(A)

12 Words from the mouth of the wise are gracious,(B)
    but fools are consumed by their own lips.(C)

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