If the Iron be Blunt, and He Do not Whet the Edge
“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.” (Ecclesiastes 10:10 KJV)
Have you ever tried to cut anything with a blunt knife? How much strength is required compared to using a very sharp knife? The scripture above teaches us a profound truth in life regarding the interplay between strength and wisdom. More power is not always what we need. Do we always truly need more time, money, or resources? Wisdom sharpens the ax head while foolishness tries to apply more strength with a blunt ax.
Trying harder is not always the answer. Take a look at your spiritual life, ministry, family, finances, career, etc. Do you toil too much for meager results? Are you trying to get better results by using more strength—working harder, going for more money? Could it be that you are using a blunt ax? Do not continue to use the wrong approach and expect good results. Do not continue on the wrong road and expect to arrive at your desired destination. Wisdom is the principal thing, so get wisdom. Learn to know when to apply more strength and when to sharpen the ax head. God’s Word is wisdom. Walk in the light of the Word always.
Read more: Wisdom is the Principal Thing.
Can you picture a man trying to cut a tree with a blunt ax? Do you ever give thought to your life to see if you might be using a blunt ax?
Ask the Lord to open your eyes to see every blunt ax in your life.
What would you do with the Word above? Is there any blunt ax you are using that needs to be sharpened? For example, sometimes you see a person trying hard to be joyful while at the same time they harbor unforgiveness toward another. That is using a blunt ax with more strength.