The Value of Wisdom - Swinging or Sharpening?

Have you ever found yourself working hard, staying busy, and doing what seems right, yet still feeling like you're not making real progress?

Are you exhausted from doing good?

Paul speaks directly to this in Galatians 6:9:

“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” (NKJV)

But what if the reason we grow weary is not because we're doing the wrong things, but because we’re not doing them wisely?

Ecclesiastes 8:5-6 says:

“The one who keeps a command will not experience anything harmful, and a wise heart knows the right time and procedure. For every activity there is a right time and procedure, even though a person's troubles are heavy on him.” (CSB)

Scripture frequently calls us to pursue wisdom. But how do we actually grow in it? Before we can recognize the right time or right action, we must understand where wisdom comes from.

Ecclesiastes 10:10 gives a vivid illustration:

“If the ax is dull and one does not sharpen its edge, then one must exert more strength; however, the advantage of wisdom is that it brings success.” (CSB)

This verse reminds us that wisdom offers an advantage that strength alone cannot. Working harder doesn’t always mean working better.

Consider the fable of two woodcutters, Peter and John. They competed to see who could chop more wood in a day. John worked tirelessly, never stopping. Peter paused every hour for fifteen minutes. At the end of the day, Peter had chopped more wood.

“How did you beat me?” John asked.

Peter replied, “Every time I stopped, I sharpened my axe.”

Wisdom doesn’t require less action. It calls for intentional action. It’s about sharpening your spiritual axe by seeking God daily through His Word.

James 1:5 reminds us:

“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.” (NKJV)

God invites us to ask—and He promises to give.

So what does success look like in God’s eyes?

It’s not about endless activity. It’s not about always appearing busy or productive in ministry. Too often, we become exhausted not because we’re disobedient, but because we’re too busy—even in God’s service.

Biblical success means walking in obedience to His Word. (Psalm 119:105) It means moving with discernment. (Proverbs 3:5–6) And it means allowing God to lead. (Psalm 37:23)

Take time today to pause and sharpen. Don’t just do more. Do what God is calling you to do when He calls you to do it. That’s biblical success. That’s walking wisely.