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10 If the ax be blunt and one does not whet the edge, then must he put to it more strength; but wisdom is profitable to direct him.

11 Surely the serpent will bite if not charmed, 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 himself up;

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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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