Ecclesiastes 10:10
from The parable of the lumberjack
Words of Qohelet (Old Testament)
A passage to the effect that "when the axe is dull and unsharpened, more strength is needed, wisdom helps."
Ecclesiastes 10:10
"If the iron is blunt, and one does not sharpen the edge, he must use more strength but wisdom helps one to succeed."
Ecclesiastes 10:10
New International Version
10
If the ax is dull
and its edge unsharpened,
more strength is needed,
but skill will bring success.
It's less clear whether the wisdom in "wisdom helps" is "sharpening."
o3.icon
"Wisdom helps" means more than just "sharpening the blade."
Center of Metaphor
It takes extra strength to keep swinging a dull axe.
Wisdom" refers to (1) the preparation to "sharpen the axe" and (2) the judgment to "choose the right tools and methods in the first place.
original in Hebrew
The second half is we-yitron ḥokmâ tashlîaḥ ("let wisdom succeed").
The word "succeed (tashlîaḥ)" has the nuance of leading/promoting, and has a broad meaning of optimizing the entire operation, not just the maintenance of the tools.
Summary of Major Commentaries
Gill／Geneva
Wisdom "shows the way to do things the right way."
Enduring Word
The fool continues to use it dull, but the wise sharpen their blades with forethought = "it is easier later to use your head first."
Precept Austin
NIV is "skill will bring success." Interpreted to include skill and planning in general.
in other words
Although sharpening is a concrete example,
The essence is "the wisdom of preparation, improvement, and planning.
Inspect tools and maintain if necessary.
Review work procedures and avoid unnecessary heavy work.
Lead to maximum results with minimum effort in manpower, time, and resources.
What this verse teaches is the universal principle of "use your head rather than your might," and the polishing is just one symbolic scene.
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