Modern Translations New International VersionIf the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed, but skill will bring success. New Living Translation Using a dull ax requires great strength, so sharpen the blade. That’s the value of wisdom; it helps you succeed. English Standard Version If the iron is blunt, and one does not sharpen the edge, he must use more strength, but wisdom helps one to succeed. Berean Study Bible If the axe is dull and the blade unsharpened, more strength must be exerted, but skill produces success. New American Standard Bible If the axe is dull and he does not sharpen its edge, then he must exert more strength. Wisdom has the advantage of bringing success. NASB 1995 If the axe is dull and he does not sharpen its edge, then he must exert more strength. Wisdom has the advantage of giving success. NASB 1977 If the axe is dull and he does not sharpen its edge, then he must exert more strength. Wisdom has the advantage of giving success. Amplified Bible If the axe is dull and he does not sharpen its edge, then he must exert more strength; but wisdom [to sharpen the axe] helps him succeed [with less effort]. Christian Standard Bible If the ax is dull, and one does not sharpen its edge, then one must exert more strength; however, the advantage of wisdom is that it brings success. Holman Christian Standard Bible If the ax is dull, and one does not sharpen its edge, then one must exert more strength; however, the advantage of wisdom is that it brings success. Contemporary English Version If you don't sharpen your ax, it will be harder to use; if you are wise, you'll know what to do. Good News Translation If your ax is dull and you don't sharpen it, you have to work harder to use it. It is smarter to plan ahead. GOD'S WORD® Translation If an ax is blunt and the edge isn't sharpened, then one has to use more strength. But wisdom prepares the way for success. International Standard Version If someone's ax is blunt—the edge isn't sharpened— then more strength will be needed. Putting wisdom to work will bring success. NET Bible If an iron axhead is blunt and a workman does not sharpen its edge, he must exert a great deal of effort; so wisdom has the advantage of giving success. Classic Translations King James BibleIf the iron be blunt, and he do not whet the edge, then must he put to more strength: but wisdom is profitable to direct. New King James Version If the ax is dull, And one does not sharpen the edge, Then he must use more strength; But wisdom brings success. King James 2000 Bible If the iron is blunt, and he does not sharpen the edge, then must he use more strength: but wisdom helps one to succeed. New Heart English Bible If the axe is blunt, and one doesn't sharpen the edge, then he must use more strength; but skill brings success. World English Bible If the axe is blunt, and one doesn't sharpen the edge, then he must use more strength; but skill brings success. American King James Version If the iron be blunt, and he do not whet the edge, then must he put to more strength: but wisdom is profitable to direct. American Standard Version If the iron be blunt, and one do not whet the edge, then must he put to more strength: but wisdom is profitable to direct. A Faithful Version If the iron is blunt, and he does not whet the edge, then he must put more strength to it. But wisdom is profitable to direct. Darby Bible Translation If the iron be blunt, and one do not whet the edge, then must he apply more strength; but wisdom is profitable to give success. English Revised Version If the iron be blunt, and one do not whet the edge, then must he put to more strength: but wisdom is profitable to direct. Webster's Bible Translation If the iron is blunt, and he doth not whet the edge, then must he use more strength: but wisdom is profitable to direct. Early Modern Geneva Bible of 1587If the yron be blunt, & one hath not whet the edge, he must then put to more strength: but the excellencie to direct a thing is wisedome. Bishops' Bible of 1568 Coverdale Bible of 1535 When an yron is blont, and ye poynt not sharpened, it must be whett againe, and that with might: Euen so doth wisdome folowe diligence. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionIf the iron has been blunt, "" And he has not sharpened the face, "" Then he increases strength, "" And wisdom [is] advantageous to make right. Young's Literal Translation If the iron hath been blunt, And he the face hath not sharpened, Then doth he increase strength, And wisdom is advantageous to make right. Smith's Literal Translation If the iron became dull and he polished not the face, and he will strengthen the forces: and wisdom will make preeminence to prosper. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleIf the iron be blunt, and be not as before, but be made blunt, with much labour it shall be sharpened: and after industry shall follow wisdom. Catholic Public Domain Version If the iron is dull, and if it was not that way before, but has been made dull by much labor, then it will be sharpened. And wisdom will follow after diligence. Translations from Aramaic Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedIf the iron is dull and the surface is rough and it multiplies those killed, also wisdom is a profit for diligent ones Lamsa Bible Just as the edge of a weapon may be blunt, and not sharpened, and yet may cause many to be slain, so wisdom is more advantageous to those who are diligent. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917If the iron be blunt, And one do not whet the edge, Then must he put to more strength; But wisdom is profitable to direct. Brenton Septuagint Translation If the axe-head should fall off, then the man troubles his countenance, and he must put forth more strength: and in that case skill is of no advantage to a man.     |