LISTEN
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 giving 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.
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.
New International Version:
If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed, but skill will bring 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].
Context:
Ecclesiastes is the third book in king Solomon’s trilogy in which he discusses what he learned from a life lived with the wisdom God granted to him. Verse 10 of chapter 10 contains a simple but consequential principle.
Observations:
If an axe is dull and is used with an unsharpened edge, more strength will be needed to do the task. But a sharpened axe requires less strength and does better work.
The understanding to know that we need to sharpen the axe before chopping is the very essence of wisdom.
Application:
The axe is a metaphor, and we all have different axes in our lives. God through Solomon has revealed to us the benefit of sharpening the axe before beginning our cutting. If we do, we are demonstrating godly wisdom.
