Wisdom is Needed to Avert Dangers in Everyday Life

8 One who digs a pit may fall into it,

and one who breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake.

9 One who quarries stones may be injured by them;

one who splits logs may be endangered by them.

10 If an iron axhead is blunt and a workman does not sharpen its edge,

he must exert a great deal of effort;

so wisdom has the advantage of giving success.

11 If the snake should bite before it is charmed,

the snake charmer is in trouble.