Get Sharp

Read Ecclesiastes 7, 10-11
 
Ecclesiastes 10:10 Using a dull ax requires great strength, so sharpen the blade. That’s the value of wisdom; it helps you succeed.
 
THERE is the familiar saying, “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.” That advice will work to a point, but Solomon’s advice is to get better at our “trying again” through sharpening our skills. We can all think of hard work we’ve done to accomplish a task, and then someone comes along to say, “Try it this way.” The sharpening advice opens our eyes to an easier, more efficient way. Sometimes we exclaim, “Why didn’t I think of that?” We wonder at our dullness.
    But let’s not be too critical of ourselves. No one can know all things. We must be humble to realize others’ advice can make us sharper in the ways we work and in knowing God. Being sharpened and sharpening is a necessary process in the Kingdom of God. Solomon also wrote, “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17) to awaken us to the need to receive wisdom and to share our wisdom with others as well. Moving God’s truths from person to person, generation to generation is essential to equipping minds to building storehouses of knowledge.
    Cutting wood is so much easier and efficient with a sharp ax. Living life is so much easier and joyful with a sharp mind on God’s truths.
 
An Account to God
 
Ecclesiastes 12:1 Don’t let the excitement of youth cause you to forget your Creator. Honor him in your youth before you grow old and say, “Life is not pleasant anymore.”
 
ON occasion we are prone to say to a rebellious person, “Go ahead. Have fun. But remember you’ll regret it someday.” We really don’t want them to live outside the rules, do we? We know rebellion’s penalties of regret and shame. But we generally believe that our permission will lead one to learn the difficulties of a disobedient life. This will teach them wisdom to accept the right way.
    Solomon’s advice to youth is this kind of permission. He encouraged folly and self-focus with the purpose, “Your sin will lead to destruction.” If youth are not careful in their thoughts and actions, their later years will be years of mental strife and soul regret.
    Regret is a dark thread running through Ecclesiastes because Solomon has looked at God’s wisdom, and too often he preferred sin. His carnal desires exceeded reason. His wealth accumulation also causes today’s financial experts to look like mere amateurs. Heed the warning essential to a contented, rich life: Ecclesiastes 11:9b But remember that you must give an account to God for everything you do.