“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” – Proverbs 4:7
“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
If the axe head or any iron tool that has lost it sharpness or edge and is being used to cut or cleave wood, much strength must be used to get any real results and even this is disappointing. What one lacks in sharpness must be replaced with brute strength. Therefore, those who are not on the “cutting edge” in their endeavors have no choice but increase their own might to see any real result which most often is disappointing.
This scripture compares the sharpness of the iron tool with one who possesses wisdom. Wisdom sharpens one for effectiveness. One who possesses wisdom knows exactly what to do to get results. Therefore he is not presumptuous; there is no trial and error. They are not governed by chance and they don’t speculate because they are equipped to be effective. They do not expend unnecessary energy before they accidentally fall into what works. When you genuinely have the wisdom of God you do not use “might” to do things to see results. You yield to the counsel of God through obedience. Implementing the wisdom of God releases the power of God to aid in fulfilling the purpose you want to achieve.
“Wisdom strengtheneth the wise more than ten mighty men which are in the city.” – Ecclesiastes 7:19
You cannot achieve the purpose of God without His wisdom. Lack of divine wisdom has caused many believers to be zealous yet ineffective. They are religious yet ‘unChristly’; passionate for religious ceremonies yet lack real relationship with God. Many believers have lost their cutting edge. They pray fervently with no answer; go to church often with no real transformation. They sacrifice yet live in disobedience. They are diligent yet not profitable in their endeavor. Lack of wisdom causes diligence to be unfruitful.
“The labour of the foolish wearieth every one of them, because he knoweth not how to go to the city.” – Ecclesiastes 10:15
It is only wisdom that is profitable to direct. Wisdom will let you know that fervent prayer without forgiveness will yield no result even if you pray all day. Wisdom will teach you that you cannot do the wrong things to get right things in life. Wisdom will teach you that you cannot disobey God and get blessed by Him. Wisdom will equip you for effectiveness. It is unfortunate that we have rejected the wisdom of God and substituted it with religious zeal. Many believers have lost their edge therefore they are frustrated, confused, disappointed and disoriented.
Losing your “cutting edge” is normal. A sharp iron will loose its edge through repetitive use. It is therefore necessary to sharpen it more often for it to stay effective in cutting. In our endeavors, we loose our “edge” and need to get into the presence of the Lord to sharpen ourselves by seeking His wisdom. The “iron must be whet” if we want to stay profitable in our endeavors. Seeking the wisdom of God must be a lifestyle not in just moments of desperation.
Let us not tolerate religious zeal without effectiveness. It is time we sharpen ourselves by seeking the wisdom of God, through consecration, prayer, and reading His word. Then are we going to be profitable in our activities.
“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” – James 1:5
“Thus saith the LORD, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the LORD thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go.” – Isaiah 48:17
