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Iron, Effort, and Wisdom: Poetic Economy and Syntax in Ecclesiastes 10:10
אִם־קֵהָ֣ה הַבַּרְזֶ֗ל וְהוּא֙ לֹא־פָנִ֣ים קִלְקַ֔ל וַחֲיָלִ֖ים יְגַבֵּ֑ר וְיִתְרֹ֥ון הַכְשֵׁ֖יר חָכְמָֽה׃
(Ecclesiastes 10:10)
If the iron is dull and he does not sharpen its edge, then he must strengthen with force; but the advantage of success is wisdom.
Ecclesiastes 10:10 presents a metaphor of labor and effort: a dull iron blade, extra exertion, and the wisdom required to succeed. It fits within the broader themes of Qohelet, where wisdom is praised, yet human limitations and futility are acknowledged. This verse invites reflection on the balance between brute force and strategic thinking.… Learn Hebrew
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