Scripture Text: Ecclesiastes 10:10
If the iron is blunt, and one does not sharpen the edge, he must use more strength, but wisdom helps one to succeed.
Ecclesiastes 10:10
In literal sense, if you are going to cut a tree using a dull ax, you have to swing it hard and use more strength for it to work. For your convenience, sharpen first the ax so that every swing will consume less strength and in time you will be able to cut it with ease.
If you want success in life, first, get wisdom from the Lord because intelligent people are always ready to learn. Their ears are open for knowledge. Like the author of the Book of Proverbs says that plans succeed through commitment to the Lord. Don't go to war without good advice because the plan will fail due to lack of counsel.
Our mind is compared to an ax in a way that when we sharpen our memory and gather wisdom from the wise, it creates great ideas to be successful in life. There are many necessary skills to learn, tools to improve and do a better job. We have weaknesses in some areas of our life but we can acquire the necessary skills through training and practice.
So again, godly wisdom is emphasized here: always ask God for wisdom and skills. A wise man always consults God before he makes a decision. Remember, do not be deceived by the wisdom of this world; the Father in heaven will give us godly wisdom if we ask in prayer. The godly wisdom from above is a good and perfect gift only the Father can give.
Skills are acquired for a better life, like Moses, who was raised in Egypt. He was adopted by Pharaoh's daughter as her own son. The Pharaoh's daughter wanted him to be a leader someday, so Moses acquired and learned wisdom and knowledge to lead. He became powerful in both speech and action. Like Proverbs says, to acquire wisdom is to love yourself, people who cherish understanding will prosper. So let us acquire wisdom from God to expand His kingdom here on earth.
Reflect
1. Do you sharpen your skills?
2. Are you going to school to acquire knowledge?
3. What kind of skill do you want to learn?
Remember
Skills are not inborne but acquired, let us enhance our skills to advance the Kingdom of God.
Read
Proverbs 19:8; Proverbs 15:22; Proverbs 16:3; Proverbs 13:18
Pray
Our Lord, help us to acquire godly skills and wisdom so that our life will have success with the help of Your Spirit. Grant our prayer to gain wisdom from above and practice it in our life. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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