What Knowledge? Part 2 of 2

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).
In his letter, James gives the qualities of“the wisdom from above”. (James 3:17) “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy.”

Note with me the contrasts.
The world’s view of wisdom, often portrayed by a bearded man on a mountaintop, suggests wisdom in primarily intellectual and profound in nature.
Reading the description James provides of the wisdom from above would lead one to conclude that wisdom is to be primarily moral and practical. A definitlon that has been proposed for that wisdom is “Doing things God’s way”.

Staying with James, you may be familiar with what he says about trials in chapter 1, v.2-5, specifically his words “if any of you lacks wisdom”.
Plugging in the definition just suggested, a paraphrase might be “if any of you is unclear on how to do things God’s way”, then “let him ask of God. ”. From an application standpoint, that may suggest something, or maybe some things, that could be very valuable.

First, think of what that says to us when James says to “Consider (or count) it all joy…” . How should we view the trial if we believe God brings it to us so that we can learn how to do things His way (and produce endurance that we may be perfect and complete v.3 — 4)?
The trial also implies we are currently not doing something His way, and as such, are not doing what is in our best interest, both for now and eternity.

Also of significance, it lets us know the difference between acknowledging/ giving assent/or being in agreement that “God is good”, and actually believing that to be true, which manifests in being obedient. We can trust and obey because we believe He is acting in our best interest. Then His bringing the trial, difficult as it may be, is a good reason for “counting it all joy”.
In tying this back to knowledge, let me close with some observations for your consideration:

— Knowledge, like many elements important to a right relationship with God, is a means toward an end, not an end in itself

In the economy of God, knowledge is a valuable servant, but a deceitful master.

We will hope to consider “Understanding” in a future session.

For more articles by John Hartshorn