Sharpen Your Axe!

Just stumbled upon some of my old memory verses (great memory, eh?) and this among many stood out for today:

"If the axe is dull and he does not sharpen its edge, then he must exert more strength. Wisdom has the advantage of giving success." (Ecclesiastes 10:10 NASB)

(Oh how this verse has taken its shape and full meaning!)

In a season where there is much spiritual activity in and out of the church, there are two extreme responses -
Passionate exuberance or skepticism and resistance.
Both are wise in their own estimation, because they believe wholeheartedly in their position.
One would say, "how can you not see that this is God?!" where the other would say, "how can you say 'this is God?!'"
Both have strong and well founded positions based in a level of experience, along with a certain amount of knowledge and understanding.
But what if to either one you stepped back long enough to hear Wisdom?
Wisdom doesn't necessarily make you wrong and the other right, it instead brings absolutes.
The Lord is Lord over all. He speaks to all clearly in one way, if nothing else, through His Word. Yet He also speaks to the heart and His Spirit to our spirit. He gives wisdom and discernment to all who seek it.
One may have one experience and one another. One may have one belief or opinion and one another. But the same Spirit ministers to all and in all there is a level of self or flesh.
The only measuring stick is the Word of God & the wisdom He breathes through it.

"For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12 NASB)

It is LIVING. And ACTIVE. It is not a book of rules, but of truth. It is not a debating tool, but a measuring tool. Yet it alone is powerful enough to divide and to mend. It is succinct in its purpose in that within it lies ALL wisdom to those who seek it.

Those who search it to defend their position will find it, but in human reasoning will not see the truth.
Those who seek it to have knowledge will find it, but knowledge will not save you.
But those who seek Wisdom will know truth that stirs deep within the soul, refining and aligning the spirit with His.
It sees beyond experience and into the very heart of God.

"When pride comes, then comes dishonor,
But with the humble is wisdom." (Proverbs 11:2 NASB)

Wisdom and humility are inseparable. He who thinks he knows, knows nothing. But He who seeks wisdom in its purest form is humble, otherwise he will not find it.

"My son, if you will receive my words
And treasure my commandments within you, Make your ear attentive to wisdom,
Incline your heart to understanding; For if you cry for discernment,
Lift your voice for understanding; If you seek her as silver
And search for her as for hidden treasures; Then you will discern the fear of the LORD
And discover the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom;
From His mouth come knowledge and understanding. He stores up sound wisdom for the upright;
He is a shield to those who walk in integrity, Guarding the paths of justice,
And He preserves the way of His godly ones. Then you will discern righteousness and justice
And equity and every good course. For wisdom will enter your heart
And knowledge will be pleasant to your soul; Discretion will guard you,
Understanding will watch over you..." (Proverbs 2:1-11 NASB)

Sharpen your axe!