Ecclesiastes 10:10
“If the axe is blunt, and one doesn't sharpen the edge, then he must use more strength; but skill brings success.”
— Ecclesiastes 10:10
About this verse
Ecclesiastes 10:10 comes from the book of Ecclesiastes, written during the Kingdom (~1000 BC) period. The setting is palace. These words are attributed to Solomon. The dominant emotion in this verse is deciding, with a comfort power of 50% and a tone that is reflective. It belongs to the proverb genre of biblical literature. Key themes include wisdom, preparation. Notable phrases: sharpen the edge; skill brings success.
Speaker
Solomon
Era
Kingdom (~1000 BC)
Emotion
deciding
Type
proverb
Emotional genome
Comfort power
Quotability
Memorability
Crisis relevance
Standalone
This verse is part of a bigger story
Ecclesiastes 10 has more verses that reveal the full context — who wrote it, what was happening, and why this moment matters.
Read Ecclesiastes 10 →This verse was found through the Bible Genome. Take time to reflect on what speaks to you.
Emotionally similar
“"You shall have no other gods before me.”
— Deuteronomy 5:7
“But he who is greatest among you will be your servant.”
— Matthew 23:11
“They said to him, "Caesar's." Then he said to them, "Give therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God t…”
— Matthew 22:21
“"Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.”
— Matthew 10:16
“Therefore whatever you desire for men to do to you, you shall also do to them; for this is the law and the prophets.”
— Matthew 7:12