10 If the iron is blunt, and one does not sharpen the edge,
    he must use more strength,
    but wisdom helps one to succeed.[a]
11 If the serpent bites before it is (A)charmed,
    there is no advantage to the charmer.

12 The words of a wise man's mouth (B)win him favor,[b]
    but (C)the lips of a fool consume him.

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Footnotes

  1. Ecclesiastes 10:10 Or wisdom is an advantage for success
  2. Ecclesiastes 10:12 Or are gracious

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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