Ecclesiastes 10:10-12

New International Reader's Version

¹⁰ Suppose the blade of an ax is dull.
    And its edge hasn’t been sharpened.
Then more effort is needed to use it.
    But skill will bring success.

¹¹ Suppose a snake bites before it is charmed.
    Then the snake charmer receives no payment.

¹² Wise people say gracious things.
    But foolish people are destroyed by what their own lips speak.