Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version If a snake bites before it is charmed, the charmer receives no fee. New Living Translation If a snake bites before you charm it, what’s the use of being a snake charmer? English Standard Version If the serpent bites before it is charmed, there is no advantage to the charmer. Berean Standard Bible If the snake bites before it is charmed, there is no profit for the charmer. King James Bible Surely the serpent will bite without enchantment; and a babbler is no better. New King James Version A serpent may bite when it is not charmed; The babbler is no different. New American Standard Bible If the serpent bites before being charmed, there is no benefit for the charmer. NASB 1995 If the serpent bites before being charmed, there is no profit for the charmer. NASB 1977 If the serpent bites before being charmed, there is no profit for the charmer. Legacy Standard Bible If the serpent bites before being charmed, there is no advantage for the charmer. Amplified Bible If the serpent bites before being charmed, then there is no profit for the charmer. Christian Standard Bible If the snake bites before it is charmed, then there is no advantage for the charmer. Holman Christian Standard Bible If the snake bites before it is charmed, then there is no advantage for the charmer. American Standard Version If the serpent bite before it is charmed, then is there no advantage in the charmer. Contemporary English Version The power to charm a snake does you no good if it bites you anyway. English Revised Version If the serpent bite before it be charmed, then is there no advantage in the charmer. GOD'S WORD® Translation If a snake bites before it has been charmed, then there is no advantage in being a snake charmer. Good News Translation Knowing how to charm a snake is of no use if you let the snake bite first. International Standard Version If a serpent strikes despite being charmed, there's no point in being a snake charmer. Majority Standard Bible If the snake bites before it is charmed, there is no profit for the charmer. NET Bible If the snake should bite before it is charmed, the snake charmer is in trouble. New Heart English Bible If the serpent bites before it is charmed, then is there no profit for the charmer's tongue. Webster's Bible Translation Surely the serpent will bite without enchantment; and a babbler is no better. World English Bible If the snake bites before it is charmed, then is there no profit for the charmer’s tongue. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionIf the serpent bites without enchantment, "" Then there is no advantage to a master of the tongue. Young's Literal Translation If the serpent biteth without enchantment, Then there is no advantage to a master of the tongue. Smith's Literal Translation If a serpent will bite without magic; and no preeminence to the possessor of the tongue. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleIf a serpent bite in silence, he is nothing better that backbiteth secretly. Catholic Public Domain Version Whoever slanders in secret is nothing less than a snake that bites silently. New American Bible If the snake bites before it is charmed, then there is no advantage in a charmer. New Revised Standard Version If the snake bites before it is charmed, there is no advantage in a charmer. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleIf the serpent bites without being charmed; then in vain is a charmer. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And if a snake will bite without a charm, there is no profit in a charmer OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917If the serpent bite before it is charmed, Then the charmer hath no advantage. Brenton Septuagint Translation If a serpent bite when there is no charmer's whisper, then there is no advantage to the charmer. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Wisdom and Folly…10If the axe is dull and the blade unsharpened, more strength must be exerted, but skill produces success. 11If the snake bites before it is charmed, there is no profit for the charmer. 12The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool consume him.… Cross References Proverbs 26:3-5 A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the backs of fools! / Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be like him. / Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he become wise in his own eyes. James 3:8 but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. Psalm 58:4-5 Their venom is like the venom of a snake, like a cobra that shuts its ears, / refusing to hear the tune of the charmer who skillfully weaves his spell. Proverbs 12:18 Speaking rashly is like a piercing sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Proverbs 18:21 Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. Romans 3:13 “Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit.” “The venom of vipers is on their lips.” Psalm 140:3 They sharpen their tongues like snakes; the venom of vipers is on their lips. Selah Proverbs 10:19 When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise. Proverbs 15:2 The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool spouts folly. Proverbs 21:23 He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress. Matthew 12:34-37 You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. / The good man brings good things out of his good store of treasure, and the evil man brings evil things out of his evil store of treasure. / But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. ... Proverbs 16:27-28 A worthless man digs up evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire. / A perverse man spreads dissension, and a gossip divides close friends. Proverbs 25:15 Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone. 1 Peter 3:10 For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. Proverbs 11:9 With his mouth the ungodly man destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge the righteous are rescued. Treasury of Scripture Surely the serpent will bite without enchantment; and a babbler is no better. the serpent Psalm 58:4,5 Their poison is like the poison of a serpent: they are like the deaf adder that stoppeth her ear; … Jeremiah 8:17 For, behold, I will send serpents, cockatrices, among you, which will not be charmed, and they shall bite you, saith the LORD. babbler Psalm 52:2 Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp rasor, working deceitfully. Psalm 64:3 Who whet their tongue like a sword, and bend their bows to shoot their arrows, even bitter words: Proverbs 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. Jump to Previous Advantage Babbler Better Bite Bites Biteth Charmed Charmer Enchantment Gives Longer Power Profit Serpent Snake Surely Tongue Use WordJump to Next Advantage Babbler Better Bite Bites Biteth Charmed Charmer Enchantment Gives Longer Power Profit Serpent Snake Surely Tongue Use WordEcclesiastes 10 1. observations of wisdom and folly7. death in life 9. and the day of judgment in the days of youth, are to be thought on If the snake bites before it is charmed This phrase highlights the importance of timing and preparation. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, snake charming was a known practice, requiring skill and patience. The snake charmer's role was to control and pacify the snake, preventing harm. This can be seen as a metaphor for the need for wisdom and foresight in handling potentially dangerous situations. The Bible often uses the imagery of snakes to represent danger or evil, as seen in Genesis 3 with the serpent in the Garden of Eden. The failure to act wisely and promptly can lead to unnecessary harm, much like the snake biting before it is charmed. there is no profit for the charmer Persons / Places / Events 1. The SnakeRepresents danger or potential harm that can arise unexpectedly if not properly managed or anticipated. 2. The Charmer Symbolizes someone who possesses skills or knowledge but fails to apply them in a timely manner, resulting in negative consequences. 3. Solomon Traditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom, wealth, and writings. 4. Ancient Near East The cultural and historical context in which the practice of snake charming was known, providing a backdrop for the metaphor used in this verse. 5. Wisdom Literature Ecclesiastes is part of the wisdom literature in the Bible, which includes practical teachings on how to live a life that honors God. Teaching Points Timeliness in ActionThe verse underscores the importance of acting at the right time. Skills and knowledge are only beneficial when applied appropriately and promptly. Preparedness and Wisdom Just as the charmer must be ready to charm the snake, we must be prepared to use our God-given wisdom and resources effectively to avoid unnecessary harm. Consequences of Inaction Failing to act when necessary can lead to negative outcomes. This teaches us the value of diligence and proactive behavior in our spiritual and daily lives. The Value of Wisdom Wisdom is not just about having knowledge but also about knowing when and how to apply it. This verse encourages us to seek God's guidance in using our wisdom effectively. Spiritual Vigilance The imagery of the snake serves as a reminder to be vigilant against spiritual dangers and to rely on God's wisdom to navigate life's challenges.(11) This also is a difficult verse. Literally translated it is, If the serpent bite for lack of enchantment, there is no advantage to the master of the tongue. It seems best to follow the LXX. and other interpreters, and take the "master of the tongue" to mean the snake charmer, who possesses the "voice of the charmer" (Psalm 58:5). The whisperings of the snake charmer, so often described by Eastern travellers, are referred to also in Jeremiah 8:17, and in a passage, probably founded on the present text (Ecclesiasticus 12:13), "Who will pity a charmer that is bitten with a serpent?" The mention of the serpent in Ecclesiastes 10:8 seems to have suggested another illustration of the advantage of wisdom in the different effects of snake-charming, as used by the expert or the unskilful. The phrase, "master of the tongue," seems to have been chosen in order to lead on to the following verses, which speak of the different use of the tongue by the wise man and the fool. Enchantment.--According to the primary meaning "whispering" (2Samuel 12:19; Isaiah 26:16). . . . Verse 11. - The last proverb of this little series shows the necessity of seizing the right opportunity. Surely the serpent will bite without enchantment. The Authorized Version is not quite correct. The particle אם, with which the verse begins, is here conditional, and the rendering should be, If the serpent bite, etc.; the apodosis comes in the next clause. The idea is taken up from ver. 8. If one handles a serpent without due precaution or without knowing the secret of charming it, one will suffer for it. The taming and charming of poisonous snakes is still, as heretofore, practiced in Egypt and the East. What the secret of this power is has not been accurately determined; whether it belongs especially to persons of a certain idiosyncrasy, whether it is connected with certain words or intonations of the voice or musical sounds, we do not know. Of the existence of the power from remote antiquity there can be no question. Allusions to it in Scripture are common enough (see Exodus 7:11; Psalm 58:5; Jeremiah 8:17; Ecclus. 12:13). If a serpent before it is charmed is dangerous, what then? The Authorized Version affords no sensible apodosis: And a babbler is no better. The words rendered "babbler" (baul hallashon) are literally "master of the tongue," and by them is meant the ἐπαοιδός, "the serpent-charmer." The clause should run, Then there is no use in the charmer. If the man is bitten before he has time to use his charm, it is no profit to him that he has the secret, it is too late to employ it when the mischief is done. This is to shut the stable door after the steed is stolen. The maxim enforces the warning against being too late; the greatest skill is useless unless applied at the right moment. The Septuagint translates virtually as above, "If a serpent bites when not charmed (ἐν οὐ ψιθυρισμῷ), then there is no advantage to the charmer (τῷ ἐπᾴδοντι)." The Vulgate departs from the context, rendering, Si mordeat serpens in silentio (i.e. probably "uncharmed"), nihil eo minus habet qui occulte detrahit, "He is nothing better who slanders secretly," which St. Jerome thus explains: the serpent and the slanderer are alike, for as the serpent stealthily infuses its poison, so the secret slanderer pours his venom into another's breast.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Ifאִם־ (’im-) Conjunction Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not the snake הַנָּחָ֖שׁ (han·nā·ḥāš) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5175: A serpent bites יִשֹּׁ֥ךְ (yiš·šōḵ) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5391: To strike with a, sting, to oppress with usury before בְּלוֹא־ (bə·lō·w-) Preposition-b | Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no it is charmed, לָ֑חַשׁ (lā·ḥaš) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3908: A whisper, a private prayer, an incantation, an amulet there is no וְאֵ֣ין (wə·’ên) Conjunctive waw | Adverb Strong's 369: A non-entity, a negative particle profit יִתְר֔וֹן (yiṯ·rō·wn) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3504: Preeminence, gain for the charmer. לְבַ֖עַל (lə·ḇa·‘al) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1167: A master, a husband, owner Links Ecclesiastes 10:11 NIVEcclesiastes 10:11 NLT Ecclesiastes 10:11 ESV Ecclesiastes 10:11 NASB Ecclesiastes 10:11 KJV Ecclesiastes 10:11 BibleApps.com Ecclesiastes 10:11 Biblia Paralela Ecclesiastes 10:11 Chinese Bible Ecclesiastes 10:11 French Bible Ecclesiastes 10:11 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 10:11 If the snake bites before it (Ecclesiast. 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