"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

Ecclesiastes 10:10 uses the metaphor of a blunt iron tool—most likely an axe—to teach a spiritual lesson regarding the superiority of God’s wisdom. 

·      The Blunt Iron: The verse begins with an image: a person attempts to use an iron tool, such as an axe, but the edge is blunt. Because it is not sharpened ("he do not whet the edge"), more physical effort is required to achieve the intended task.

·      Lot chose his way over God’s way. It led to the destruction of his family and a life of vexation.

·      Abraham and Sarah chose their pragmatism over God’s way. It led to discord and division in the family. Genesis 16. 

·      In Joshua chapters seven and nine, we see Joshua making decisions apart from God. These decisions resulted in loss of life, hardship, and entanglements. 

·      When Solomon’s son, Rehoboam, became king, he spoke roughly to the Northern tribes. He rejected the wisdom of his elders. Because he forced his way upon the people, they rebelled against him. The northern tribes became separate from Judah. Had Rehoboam listened to wisdom he could have ruled peaceably over the entire nation with little effort. 1Kings 12.

·      Proverbs 13:14-15 The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death. Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard.

·      God’s wisdom, the wisdom from above, sharpens us. It provides guidance and foresight. We work smarter in preparing and planning and in using the right methods. We need God’s wisdom in our relationships, activities, and leadership. God knows best how to make life work.

Sometimes we make life a lot harder for ourselves than it needs to be. Are you weary from expending a lot of labor with little to show for it? Effort is necessary, but wisdom from above (James 3) is essential. Will you seek God’s way? 

Ron Cox – Director of HOPE Ministry