Stop Self-Sabotage: Get Sharper | Ecclesiastes 10:8-11

Shout out today to Earl Estep in Elk Grove, California. I am excited to be with you and your men at the Men of Honor Conference this weekend. I will see you soon. This devotional is for you today.

Welcome to The Daily, where we go through the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every single day.

Today, we’re looking at Ecclesiastes 10:8-11:

He who digs a pit will fall into it,
and a serpent will bite him who breaks through a wall.
He who quarries stones is hurt by them,
and he who splits logs is endangered by them.
If the iron is blunt, and one does not sharpen the edge,
he must use more strength,
but wisdom helps one to succeed.
If the serpent bites before it is charmed,
there is no advantage to the charmer. — Ecclesiastes 10:8-11

Pitfalls & Poor Planning
Ever seen someone sabotage themselves? Self-sabotage, you've done it—cut corners, ignored wisdom, and ultimately paid the price. Solomon warns us here: Dig a pit recklessly? You might fall in. Tear down a wall carelessly? You might get bitten. Short-sighted, fast decisions often lead to long-term regrets.

Power Without Preparation
Whether quarrying stones or splitting logs, rushing into any activity without wisdom is risky. A dull axe takes more strength, but a sharpened one makes the job easier. Life isn’t about just pushing through—it’s about preparing well. If you don’t take time to sharpen your edge, you’ll waste energy, get frustrated, and struggle unnecessarily.

Precision Over Panic
The charmer who waits too long gets bitten—the moment passes, and the opportunity is lost. Some lessons don’t offer second chances. Wisdom means knowing when to act and when to wait. Don't let delay turn into disaster.

How to Sharpen Your Spiritual Wisdom:
Pause – Don’t act impulsively. Pause for a moment and consider the consequences.
Pray – Spend time in prayer and sharpen your spiritual edge.
Proceed – Don’t pause too long. If you have paused and prayed, proceed in faith.
So, where in your life do you need to deploy these steps and get sharper?

Lord, give us all the wisdom to work smarter, not just harder. Help us to sharpen our faith, mind, and choices, so we walk in Your strength. Amen.

#SharpenYourEdge #WorkWisely #FaithOverForce

ASK THIS:
Where have you ignored wisdom and paid the price?
What area of your life needs sharpening right now?
How can you balance patience and action in decision-making?
What spiritual disciplines help you prepare instead of panic?
DO THIS:
Pause, pray, and proceed—take a moment to seek God's wisdom before your next big decision.

PRAY THIS:
Lord, give me the wisdom to slow down, seek You first, and sharpen my choices with faith. Help me work wisely, relying on Your strength instead of my own. Amen.

PLAY THIS:
Pause.