ASV: 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.
BBE: If the iron has no edge, and he does not make it sharp, then he has to put out more strength; but wisdom makes things go well.
DBY: If the iron be blunt, and one do not whet the edge, then must he apply more strength; but wisdom is profitable to give success.
KJV: If the iron be blunt, and he do not whet the edge, then must he put to more strength: but wisdom is profitable to direct.
JPS: 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.
WBS: If the iron is blunt, and he doth not whet the edge, then must he use more strength: but wisdom is profitable to direct.
WEB: If the axe is blunt, and one doesn't sharpen the edge, then he must use more strength; but skill brings success.
YLT: If the iron hath been blunt, And he the face hath not sharpened, Then doth he increase strength, And wisdom 'is' advantageous to make right.
