THE POWER OF EFFECTIVE TOOLS

Shalom! May the name of our Lord Jesus Christ be blessed. The Scriptures tell us:

Ecclesiastes 10:10 (NKJV)

“If the axe is dull, and one does not sharpen the edge, then he must use more strength; but wisdom helps one to succeed.”

The passage from Ecclesiastes offers a profound life lesson about the importance of using wisdom rather than brute force. The “axe” here symbolizes any tool or skill we have, which, if not properly sharpened or maintained, requires more effort to achieve results. This can be applied to the many areas of our lives our relationships, work, spiritual life, etc. Just as a dull axe or tool makes a job harder, a lack of wisdom can make even the simplest tasks more difficult. Wisdom, on the other hand, makes the work easier and more effective, helping us to succeed.

The Hebrew word for “axe” is מַטְעָן (matta’an), and it can refer to any sharp tool used for cutting. The image here suggests that without proper preparation (the sharpening of the axe), one’s efforts are in vain, much like trying to achieve a goal without the proper wisdom or resources.

This teaching points to a fundamental theological principle: God desires us to use wisdom in all things. In James 1:5 (NKJV), it says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” Wisdom is not just about intellect; it is spiritual insight that comes from God.

The preacher continues, saying, “However, it is better to use wisdom and succeed.” This highlights the idea that human strength is limited, but God’s wisdom is boundless. If we fail to seek God’s wisdom, we will struggle and become exhausted, trying to achieve results with our own effort.

The Tools of Life: Education, Skills, and Money

In life, people use various “tools” to navigate their journey: education, skills, money, and so on. These tools can be incredibly helpful, but they are not permanent. Over time, they lose their effectiveness. Education becomes outdated, money can be spent or mismanaged, and skills can rust if not consistently used.

For example, education can only take you so far in life, but it cannot solve every problem. You cannot use knowledge to cure spiritual death, nor can you buy eternal peace with money. The world offers many tools, but they are limited in their scope and effectiveness. Only one tool can be used for every purpose, and it never loses its sharpness.

The Only Permanent Tool: The Word of God

Hebrews 4:12 (NKJV)

“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.”

The Word of God is the ultimate tool that never becomes dull. Unlike human-made tools, which wear out over time, the Word of God is eternal. In John 1:1 (NKJV), we are reminded that the Word was with God in the beginning, and the Word was God. It is alive because it comes from God, and it has the power to discern our deepest thoughts, motives, and desires.

Theologically speaking, the Word of God is both a weapon and a guide. It cuts through the deception of sin and illuminates the truth. This “sword of the Spirit” is described in Ephesians 6:17 (NKJV), where Paul encourages believers to “take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” The Word of God is sharper than any physical weapon because it pierces the soul and spirit, revealing what is hidden in our hearts. It has the ability to discern not just our actions but our very thoughts and motivations.

This is why the Word of God is central to Christian life. It is a weapon against the enemy Satan and a light that guides us in our daily walk with God.

Living by the Word of God: The Victory Over Life’s Challenges

When we live by the Word of God, life’s challenges no longer seem insurmountable. As Psalm 119:105 (NKJV) declares, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” The Word of God illuminates our steps, guiding us through the darkness of life. We don’t have to rely on our own strength or wisdom; we can trust in God’s Word, which is a reliable and constant source of truth.

In Isaiah 55:11 (NKJV), God promises that His Word will not return void:

 “So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” When we trust in God’s Word, it accomplishes what He intends, bringing about results that go beyond what human effort can achieve.

The Choice Between Wisdom and Struggling Alone

If we choose to neglect the Word of God and rely solely on our own understanding or earthly tools, we will face difficulty and frustration. As Matthew 11:28-30 (NKJV) says, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” This is a direct contrast to the burdensome, exhausting life we face when we try to go it alone without God’s guidance.

The Word of God offers peace and clarity. It’s a weapon in spiritual warfare and a guide for everyday decisions. When we embrace it, we will find that our lives are much lighter, even when we face trials, because we know we are not fighting alone.

A Call to Repentance and Salvation

Brother/Sister, if you have not yet surrendered your life to the Lord, the door of grace is open wide. Don’t wait for tomorrow. Time is fleeting. The Bible warns in James 4:14 (NKJV),

“Whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.” We never know when our time will come, and we must be ready.

Death is not always a result of sinfulness or a lack of preparation. It comes unexpectedly. And it will come for both the righteous and the unrighteous. This is why we must turn to God while we still have time. Romans 10:9 (NKJV) says,

“That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”

If you have not yet repented and turned to the Lord, I encourage you to do so now. Repent of your sins and seek the Lord with all your heart. Baptism in water, in the name of Jesus Christ, as commanded in Acts 2:38 (NKJV), is the means by which we receive forgiveness for our sins. Then, God will give us the Holy Spirit as a seal of our salvation (Ephesians 4:30).

May the Lord bless!ed

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