Take my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare with her.1
We live in a country with 2 seasons—wet and dry; and during the dry months dust is inevitable. A vacuum cleaner is always a useful tool. Although a dry-vacuum works, emptying its bag is precarious for one who is prone to allergies. Although I’ve outgrown my morning allergies as a child, a concentrated amount of dust somehow still affects me. Thanks to technology manufacturers have developed a wet-and-dry-vacuum cleaner. A recent purchase has made me trigger happy; cleaning has become more effective and efficient.
A story goes that there were two wood choppers who would start and end at same time, but one always got double the work done. Noticeably, during the break this man would disappear. So the other man lamented, “We start and end at the same time, how are you able to do much more than I?” To which he responded, during our break I sharpen my axe.
Figuratively speaking, sharpening the axe for us is to grow our mind and guard our heart. Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Esteem her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you.2
There are three disciplines which we shouldn’t neglect as follows:
1. Bible study. My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find 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 watching over the way of his saints.3
2. Prayer. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.4 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.5
3. Fellowship. Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.6 Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.7
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.8 May the God of hope fill you will all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.9
Notes:
1. Proverbs 8:10-11
2. Proverbs 4:7-8 NIV
3. Proverbs 2:1-8
4. James 1:5
5. John 15:7-8
6. Proverbs 27:17
7. 1 Thessalonians 5:11
8. Romans 12:2
9. Romans 15:13
