Ecclesiastes 10:9
7 I have seen slaves on horseback, while princes go on foot like slaves.
8 He who digs a pit may fall into it, and he who breaches a wall may be bitten by a snake.
The one who quarries stones may be injured by them, and he who splits logs endangers himself.
10 If the axe is dull and the blade unsharpened, more strength must be exerted, but skill produces success.
11 If the snake bites before it is charmed, there is no profit for the charmer.
Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.
Compare
- BSB
- The one who quarries stones may be injured by them, and he who splits logs endangers himself.
- KJV
- Whoso removeth stones shall be hurt therewith; and he that cleaveth wood shall be endangered thereby.
- WEB
- Whoever carves out stones may be injured by them. Whoever splits wood may be endangered by it.
- ASV
- Whoso heweth out stones shall be hurt therewith; [and] he that cleaveth wood is endangered thereby.
- DARBY
- Whoso removeth stones is hurt therewith; he that cleaveth wood is endangered thereby.
- BLB
- The one pulling out stones will be hurt by them; the one splitting trees endangers himself by them.
- ÅB
- Den som bryter stein, kan få en skade av det; den som hugger ved, kan komme i fare ved det.
- OTB
- Den som bryter stein kan bli skadet av dem, og den som kløyver ved kan være i fare fra dem.
- B1930
- Den som bryter sten, kan få en skade av det; den som hugger ved, kan komme i fare ved det.