by John Hartshorn | Apr 9, 2018 | Articles, Mentors Corner
What Knowledge? Part 2 of 2 In the prior comments it was noted from Proverbs (Prov. 24:3) that Solomon related knowledge to wisdom and understanding. This session will intend to look more in depth into our understanding of the term wisdom, as we continue to try and identify our thinking in this area. In addition to a closer look at wisdom, there will also be an intent to consider the closing comment on the first session which suggested a fundamental difference in knowing and believing. That is, the former does not necessarily lead to a change in behavior, as does the latter. With that in view, it is hoped a distinction will be developed between acknowledgment/assent or agreement, and obedience. According to The Complete Word Study Dictionary (OT) there are nine Hebrew words that can be used for “wisdom”. Primarily those words suggest technical skill — experience — shrewdness. In the NT version of that same resource there are two Greek words. The primary one is [sophia] — skill in the affairs of life, wise management as shown in forming the best plans and selecting the best means, including the idea of sound judgment. Much like knowledge, there is certainly value in having that type of wisdom. The challenge comes in taking our view of wisdom into the economy of God, especially in meeting the terms He defines as required for a right relationship with Him. As many are aware, a primary theme the apostle Paul addresses in his first letter to the church at Corinth is “the wisdom of this world is foolishness before God” (1 Cor. 3:19)....
by John Hartshorn | Apr 2, 2018 | Articles, Mentors Corner
What Knowledge? Part 1 of 2 There are some interesting thoughts to consider from Proverbs, relative to the more common understandings associated with the term “knowledge”. Beginning in chapter 1, v.7 it says “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge”. It occurred to me that the using one’s knowledge of the Bible, as in playing a game of Bible Trivia, does not tend to develop an association with the fear of the Lord. Continuing on in chapter 1, v. 29, it says “Because they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the Lord”. Again, the thought came to mind; who hates knowledge? On the contrary, it is often that we are overly fond of our knowledge. That is why the apostle Paul notes in 1 Corinthians 8:1 that “Knowledge makes arrogant”, or “puffs up” (ESV). Moving ahead to chapter 12, v. 1, it says “Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid”. Now that one is a difficult connection for the standard woridview! The author of the book of Hebrews notes in 12:11, “All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful …”. Even when we continue with the balance of the verse – “yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.”(NASB), it is still difficult to say we love discipline, let alone connect it to a love of knowledge. Another valuable lesson we can learn from Proverbs is how Solomon relates knowledge to wisdom and understanding. First, it is significant to note the chronology of the terms....
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