American Standard Version

Ecclesiastes 10:10-15 American Standard Version (ASV)

10. If the iron be blunt, and one do not whet the edge, then must he put to more strength: but wisdom is profitable to direct.

11. If the serpent bite before it is charmed, then is there no advantage in the charmer.

12. The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself.

13. The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness; and the end of his talk is mischievous madness.

14. A fool also multiplieth words: yet man knoweth not what shall be; and that which shall be after him, who can tell him?

15. The labor of fools wearieth every one of them; for he knoweth not how to go to the city.