Ecclesiastes 10:10-12

Revised Standard Version

¹⁰If the iron is blunt, and one does not whet the edge,
    he must put forth more strength;
    but wisdom helps one to succeed.
¹¹If the serpent bites before it is charmed,
    there is no advantage in a charmer.

¹²The words of a wise man’s mouth win him favor,
but the lips of a fool consume him.

Read full chapter

Revised Standard Version (RSV)

Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1946, 1952, and 1971 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.