The Sharpest Knife

The phrase, “He (or she) is not the sharpest knife in the drawer” is often used to describe someone who has made a decision to do something unwise. This comment is based on the obvious fact that the sharpest knife is the best knife.

THE DULL BLADE

Of course, the sharpest knife may not necessarily be the best knife. It may be that the best, most high quality, well-made knife is no longer the sharpest because it is the one that is always used, so the blade has been somewhat dulled.

Sometimes, we, ourselves, want to be the sharpest knife.

However, another well-known quote says, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” meaning there is not a universal agreement as to who or what is best.  Often, the society we live in has one standard of measurement and, in many cases, God has a separate standard. We have to choose whose opinion we care most to believe.

We know that God:

• Often gives greater honor to those who seem to have less honor in the world’s eyes (1 Corinthians 12:22-24).

• Makes foolish the wisdom of the world (1 Corinthians 1:20).

• Has thoughts and ways that are far above our thoughts and ways (Isaiah 55:8-9).

• Proclaims that many who profess to be wise are foolish (Romans 1:22).

the comparison

The world values outward success, but God values inner character.
The world values the lifestyle of the rich and famous, but Jesus “had no place to lay His head.”
The world values high positions, but Jesus says that those who are truly great are those who choose to serve.
The world sees value in self-promotion, but God sees value in genuine humility.
The world desires power to rule, Jesus said the peacemakers are blessed by God.

On and on it goes. God sees things so differently than the world around us does. God values things the world often does not and the world often values things that God does not. If you want to be the sharpest knife in the drawer, it is important to know what God considers a sharp knife. Choose your standard of measurement carefully.