Knowledge and Wisdom

Prayer-Soldier · Posted: Sun Nov 12, 2017 12:13 pm Post subject: Knowledge and Wisdom

Knowledge and Wisdom

Scripture:

Covet therefore my words, and love them, and you shall have instruction. Wisdom is glorious, and never fades away, and is easily seen by them that love her, and is found by them that seek her. She prevents them that covet her, so that she first show herself unto them. He that awakes early to seek her, shall not labor: for he shall find her sitting at his door. To think therefore upon her, is perfect understanding: and he that watches for her, shall quickly be secure.
(Wisdom 6:12-16)

And we will not have you ignorant, brethren, concerning them that are asleep, that you be not sorrowful, even as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died, and rose again; even so them who have slept through Jesus, will God bring with him. For this we say unto you in the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who remain unto the coming of the Lord, shall not prevent them who have slept. For the Lord himself shall come down from heaven with commandment, and with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God: and the dead who are in Christ, shall rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, shall be taken up together with them in the clouds to meet Christ, into the air, and so shall we be always with the Lord. Wherefore, comfort you one another with these words.
(1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 NABRE, 4:12-17 DRV)

Then shall the kingdom of heaven be like to ten virgins, who taking their lamps went out to meet the bridegroom and the bride. And five of them were foolish, and five wise. But the five foolish, having taken their lamps, did not take oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with the lamps. And the bridegroom tarrying, they all slumbered and slept.

And at midnight there was a cry made: Behold the bridegroom comes, go forth to meet him. Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise: Give us of your oil, for our lamps are gone out. The wise answered, saying: Lest perhaps there be not enough for us and for you, go rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. Now whilst they went to buy, the bridegroom came: and they that were ready, went in with him to the marriage, and the door was shut. But at last come also the other virgins, saying: Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answering said: Amen I say to you, I know you not. Watch therefore, because you know not the day nor the hour.
(Matthew 25:1-13)

Reflection:

There is a difference between wisdom and knowledge. With knowledge, we are aware of what we have learned, but with wisdom, we understand how what we learn may be properly applied. There are many with knowledge who do not comprehend when they lack wisdom, but those with wisdom, while they may not have all knowledge, at least, by their wisdom, comprehend that which is essential or missing in regards to decisions at hand.

Wisdom, therefore, is essential to the application of our knowledge, else we leave ourselves vulnerable to misuse of what we learn. All the knowledge of the world may be interesting, but it becomes dangerous without wisdom. Knowledge, applied without wisdom, may not consider the possibilities which only wisdom reveals. The harm done may appear slight, but it may also fester, such that errors compound and render great harm. While the pursuit of knowledge is a noble endeavor, wisdom is the greater gift, for it is by wisdom that the best decisions for the greater good are made.

Our challenge within the world is that we are limited in both our knowledge and our wisdom. Our decisions are sometimes flawed as we decide actions though we do not comprehend the possible consequences. We deceive ourselves by wishful thinking and do not foresee the harm which may come from our rashness or a judgment clouded by desires. We justify our thought by the opinion of others. We deceive ourselves to believe that the majority is always right. We fail to test the foundation upon which their decision rests and whether they decide with both knowledge and wisdom or if they are manipulated by deceit.

We see what we observe, but we do not always comprehend nor do we see when essential information is missing and vital to our understanding. We often fail to consider that in our questions of tragedy and what God allows, that we do not see as God sees, for we only see the boundaries of our senses and the instruments which enable them. God, however, sees all in heaven and across the earth as well as throughout the generations. He sees the ripple of every action and the result of every inaction. With all knowledge and wisdom, He knows what will come, where we can often only guess or speculate.

Though sorrow may be ours for a time at the loss of one we love, we must also reflect that those we love who accept the love of God, will be received by Him. Through His grace and mercy, He will invite them in so they may work and pray for us from heaven.

We do not know the day or the hour our life will end within this world and when we must be prepared for the judgment which will come. The question for us, then, is how we will spend the time which remains before us? Will we use it to learn the ways of our Creator? Will we seek the knowledge and wisdom of His Word or will we seek only the ways of the world? Will we seek to learn the ways of eternal blessings or the ways of what was formed from dust and shall return to dust?

So often we cry out over the injustice before us, but we do not comprehend the ways by which we can turn from the sorrows of injustice and share the blessings of that which is right and just. How is it we allow ourselves to so often be deceived by the cold of the darkness when the warmth of the Light is within our reach? Can we imagine all which we may share if we live according to His commandments to love? (Matthew 22:36-40) It is within our reach if we turn away from the foolishness of the world and towards the wisdom of God.

Let us, then, seek not only the knowledge of His Word, but let us seek to obtain the wisdom contained within. Let us pray the Holy Spirit will guide us to wisdom and truth. (John 14:15-17) Let us reflect upon it in prayer. Let us study it, not only for the blessings of our lives and so we may be prepared for the moment of His coming, but for the blessings of all who cross our path.

Questions for further reflection:

In what ways may we learn and live by the blessings of His wisdom?

What does the resurrection of our Lord reveal to us?

In what ways do we prepare ourselves for the day we will face our Savior?

May the peace and blessings of the Lord be with you always,
Prayer Soldier