Ifthe axeis dulland he does not sharpen[its] edge,then he must exertmore strength.Wisdomhas the advantageof givingsuccess.
"So giveYour servantan understandingheartto judgeYour peopleto discernbetweengoodand evil.For whois ableto judgethisgreatpeopleof Yours?"
Of the sonsof Issachar,men who understoodthe times,with knowledgeof whatIsraelshould do,their chiefs[were] two hundred;and alltheir kinsmen[were] at their command.
Ifthe serpentbitesbefore being charmed,thereis noprofitfor the charmer.
The toilof a fool[so] wearieshim that he does not [even] knowhow to goto a city.
He who quarriesstonesmay be hurtby them, and he who splitslogsmay be endangeredby them.
And I sawthat wisdomexcelsfollyas lightexcelsdarkness.
Wisdomis betterthanweaponsof war,but onesinnerdestroysmuchgood.
"Behold,I sendyou out as sheepin the midstof wolves;sobe shrewdas serpentsand innocentas doves.
For the report of your obediencehas reachedto all;thereforeI am rejoicingoveryou, but I wantyou to be wisein what is goodand innocentin what is evil.
Brethren,do not be childrenin your thinking;yetin evilbe infants,but in your thinkingbe mature.
IfI sharpenMy flashingsword,And My handtakesholdon justice,I will rendervengeanceon My adversaries,And I will repaythose who hateMe.
Conduct yourselveswith wisdomtowardoutsiders,making the mostof the opportunity.
But ifanyof you lackswisdom,let him askof God,who givesto allgenerouslyand withoutreproach,and it will be givento him.
