Ecclesiastes 10:10-12

Complete Jewish Bible

¹⁰ If the [hatchet’s] iron [blade] is blunt,
and [its user] doesn’t sharpen it,
he will have to exert more effort;
but the expert has the advantage of his skill.
¹¹ If a snake bites before it is charmed,
the snake-charmer has no advantage.
¹² The words spoken by the wise bring them favor,
but the lips of a fool swallow him up.