Ecclesiastes 10:11 “If the snake bites before it is charmed, there is no profit for the ch…”

Ecclesiastes 10:11

If the snake bites before it is charmed, there is no profit for the charmer.

Berean Standard Bible

Other translations

King James Version

Surely the serpent will bite without enchantment; and a babbler is no better.

World English Bible

If the snake bites before it is charmed, then is there no profit for the charmer’s tongue.

American Standard Version

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

Geneva Bible 1599

If the serpent bite, when he is not charmed: no better is a babbler.

Darby Translation

If the serpent bite before enchantment, then the charmer hath no advantage.

Young's Literal Translation

If the serpent biteth without enchantment, Then there is no advantage to a master of the tongue.

Bible in Basic English

If a snake gives a bite before the word of power is said, then there is no longer any use in the word of power.

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Cross references

“the serpent”

Jeremiah 8:17 Psalm 58:4 Psalm 58:5

Jeremiah 8:17 · BSB

“For behold, I will send snakes among you, vipers that cannot be charmed, and they will bite you,” declares the LORD.

Psalm 58:4 · BSB

Their venom is like the venom of a snake, like a cobra that shuts its ears,

Psalm 58:5 · BSB

refusing to hear the tune of the charmer who skillfully weaves his spell.

“a babbler”

Psalm 52:2 Psalm 64:3 Proverbs 18:21 James 3:6

Psalm 52:2 · BSB

Your tongue devises destruction like a sharpened razor, O worker of deceit.

Psalm 64:3 · BSB

who sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their bitter words like arrows,

Proverbs 18:21 · BSB

Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

James 3:6 · BSB

The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.

Cross references adapted from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0) and the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

In context

10If the axe is dull and the blade unsharpened, more strength must be exerted, but skill produces success.

12The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool consume him.

Read Ecclesiastes 10