Ecclesiastes 10:8-11

New American Standard Bible

^8 (A)One who digs a pit may fall into it, and a ^(B)serpent may bite one who breaks through a wall. ⁹ One who quarries stones may be hurt by them, and one who splits logs may be endangered by them. ¹⁰ If the ^[a]axe is dull and he does not sharpen its ^[b]edge, then he must exert more strength. Wisdom has the advantage of bringing success. ¹¹ If the serpent bites ^[c](C)before being charmed, there is no benefit for the charmer.