Knowledge
“the state or act of knowing”
We gain our knowledge through life experiences. I remember when a young child touched a hot iron after his mother had warned him not to go near it. He became extremely aware of the pain a hot iron inflicts upon a fingertip. His mother had the knowledge and tried to pass it on to her young son, but he had to “self-discover” that knowledge for himself.
We learn from the Old Testament that God gave the people of Israel ten commandments at Mount Sinai. We know them today as the Ten Commandments—written directly by God on stone tablets that Moses then delivered to his people.
The Ten Commandments are universal moral principles that are timeless and applicable to all people. They reflect God’s character and His expectations for human behavior. – CrossTalk
God gave us the Ten Commandments to guide us so we won’t be burned by the hot irons of life in this physical world. Unfortunately, humans tend to take the young child’s route: touching the hot irons of lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and the pride of life before they self-discover the pain of ignoring God’s law.
For example, how many of us have broken the first commandment by putting money, fame, power, sex, drugs, or other false gods ahead of the one true God?
Now read this next question very carefully: How many good and decent people—who live exemplary lives by human standards—actually love their children or grandchildren more than they love God?
The law is important because it gives us knowledge of sin. Yet it neither keeps us from committing sins nor saves us from them. It is like an X-ray machine: it does not keep us from breaking our arm, nor does it heal a broken arm—it only confirms we have one.
Knowledge is just a diagnosis.
The law points to our sin and, depending on the heart of the individual, may convict us of it. But even if we are convicted, how do we know what to do about it?
Wisdom
“the ability to discern what is true and how to act on it”
Knowledge tells us what the problem is, while wisdom tells us what to do about it.
In today’s world we have a ton of knowledge. Turn on the TV or scroll through social media and you’ll find an endless parade of experts ready to diagnose the world’s problems.
Yet human wisdom is in short supply. Scientists, economists, educators, and politicians—all armed with knowledge—still fail to solve those problems.
Why? They lack discernment to recognize the truth. And if you don’t know the truth, how can you apply it?
Knowledge is what is gathered over time through study of the Scriptures. It can be said that wisdom, in turn, acts properly upon that knowledge. Wisdom is the fitting application of knowledge. Knowledge understands the light has turned red; wisdom applies the brakes. Knowledge sees the quicksand; wisdom walks around it. Knowledge memorizes the Ten Commandments; wisdom obeys them. Knowledge learns of God; wisdom loves Him. – GotQuestions.org
On September 10th of this year, a great man of God was taken from us. Charlie Kirk was one of those rare, gifted human beings who possessed both knowledge and true wisdom. Charlie had “true” wisdom—he knew that Jesus is the answer. He was well aware of the importance of Jesus’ work on the cross. How did Charlie acquire so much wisdom, especially at a very young age?
In addition to receiving eternal salvation through Jesus’ sacrifice, we are given a “Helper” to guide us through this physical world while preparing us for God’s eternal kingdom.
… your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?
– 1 Corinthians 6:19
Jesus knew that “human” wisdom is a false wisdom designed to keep us turned away from God’s light. The wisdom of this physical world does not come from above; it is earthly, fleshly, and demonic. Knowing this, Jesus gave us the Holy Spirit. In Isaiah 11:2-3, we learn that the Spirit brings seven essential gifts that empower every believer:
| THE 7 GIFTS | CHARACTERISTIC |
|---|---|
| Fear of the Lord | A profound respect for God’s majesty and authority, leading to a desire to avoid sin. |
| Understanding | Insight into the deeper truths necessary for salvation, allowing one to “see” God. |
| Counsel | Guidance in making decisions aligned with God’s will. |
| Fortitude | Courage to face challenges and remain steadfast in faith. |
| Knowledge | Awareness of divine truths and the ability to discern them. |
| Piety | A deep sense of respect and love for God, fostering devotion. |
| Wisdom* | The ability to judge and direct human affairs according to divine truth. |
* … the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. – James 3:17
How do we obtain this wisdom from heaven?
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. – James 1:5-8
If you ask for wisdom with a genuine heart—one turned toward God, willing to receive His light, and free of any doubt in His love for you—it will be given to you.
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