KNOWLEDGE AND WISDOM

Is knowledge the same as wisdom? Before answering this question, consider another – is knowing about Christ the same as the Spirit living within us as believers? In thinking through this second question, consider Paul’s words in Galatians 5:

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. (Galatians 5:22-26).

The characteristic of a disciple is not only that he/she does good things, but that his/her motives driving these actions have been initiated by the supernatural grace of God. While doing right is honorable, doing it with the right heart is the righteousness of God through the power of the Holy Spirit. It’s allowing the Spirit to lead in every aspect of life. This is wisdom.

Likewise, wisdom and Christ are inextricably linked, as noted in Proverbs 8 and Matthew 11, respectively: “Does not wisdom call? Does not understanding raise her voice? On the heights beside the way, at the crossroads she takes her stand; beside the gates in front of the town, at the entrance of the portals she cries aloud: “To you, O men, I call, and my cry is to the children of man. O simple ones, learn prudence; O fools, learn sense.” (Proverbs 8:1-5) Wisdom is portrayed as going through the city, loudly pleading with the naive to heed her call. As noted in Matthew, Jesus also pleaded with sinners:

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28–30).

Knowledge is critically important. However, wisdom exercises knowledge through the power of Christ which produces the best outcomes.

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