"He who quarries stones may be hurt by them, and he who splits logs may be endangered by them. If the axe is dull and he does not sharpen its edge, then he must exert more strength. Wisdom has the advantage of giving success." Eccles. 10:9-10 

  The work of the Christian is to delve into the hearts and lives of others; in so doing we are faced with complex and deeply held beliefs and often personal histories that are dark and foreboding. 

So fools must not rush in where wise men fear to tread, but rather cautiously, lovingly, with axe sharpened with wisdom, and Spirit guidance, we sympathetically enter in and painstakingly build trust and intimacy.     

  Lives are not suddenly changed by quoting a verse or casting a rebuke; more often we are hurt by doing so.