The Importance of Gifts Part II
Today we begin our study on the spiritual gifts, and we begin with two gifts that many mistake for one. In fact, when people use the word “wisdom” and “knowledge” in a sentence, it is almost used interchangeably. Even the definition of the two words are similar. Today, wisdom is defined as “the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment; the quality of being wise.” While knowledge is defined as “facts, information, and skills acquired by a person through experience or education; the theoretical or practical understanding of a subject.”
So when looking at these two definitions, how can I say that wisdom and knowledge are two separate aspects? In order to answer that, we need to go back to the original Hebrew definition of these words. For wisdom, the original definition comes from “a primitive root to be wise (in mind) word (H2449) or act, to be skillful (H2451). Proverbs can better help us understand wisdom. Proverbs 1:2-6 “2 for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight; 3 for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair; 4 for giving prudence to those who are simple, knowledge and discretion to the young— 5 let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance— 6 for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise.” The beginning of this passage shows the importance of the book of Proverbs, that it is for gaining wisdom and instruction. However, as you read, you can distinguish characteristics of wisdom. Knowing what is right, just, and fair. Help those who are naive, continue to learn, and surround themselves with counsel. Wisdom comes to those who seek the word of God earnestly, Proverbs 2:2-6 “2 turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding— 3 indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, 4 and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, 5 then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. 6 For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” So the gift of wisdom is the understanding of God’s word, as well as the ability to use that understanding to help others.
Knowledge on the other hand comes from “a primitive root; to know (properly to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses…advise, answer, appoint, assuredly be aware, comprehend” H3045. Once again, Proverbs 1 expands upon this definition. “7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Proverbs 1:7. The word “fear” here is not the word that many of us think today. When we hear the word “fear” we think of the unpleasant emotion and reaction towards something that may harm us. That is not the definition of the word used here. The meaning of “fear” is “morally reverence” H3374. So with that in mind, the beginning of knowledge comes from the moral reverence of the Lord. This means that we can only put the aspects of knowledge (to advise, answer, appoint, assuredly be aware, and comprehend) in place once we understand how great our God is and how incapable we are of measuring up. We receive knowledge when we have seen God’s greatness, mercy, and love. Through our understanding of His attributes are we then able to advise others on the word of God, answer when people question God’s goodness, appoint leadership, be aware of what God’s word is calling for us to do, and comprehend how God can change the individual.
Seek the truth and encourage one another,
Alex