Bible Study: (Book of Proverbs; Knowledge, Understanding, and Wisdom)
Date: ………9/26/14
Study: Week # 1
Prayer:
Father God, today we will lift up Your Might Name in praises; glory be to God, thank You Jesus, Hallelujah, we worship You in the beauty of holiness, because You are holy. Thank You, Father, for Your Holy Spirit, Your Comforter, Your peace too. Today we ask that You guide us into truth and knowledge, so we can make right decisions. Let us learn from Your stories of old so we may grow in You, and in Your grace forever. We ask for knowledge to know You and Your Word. Lord, God, You are omniscience, and we need Your knowledge, wisdom, and understanding each to live in this world. Thank You, Lord. Amen.
Title: Knowledge Part 1
The word "knowledge" is translated from the Hebrew word "daath," meaning "cunning knowledge" (Strong's); "to perceive, to be sensible of, by sight, by touch, but chiefly in the mind; hence, to understand, observe; to consider; to mark and observe with a purpose . . ." (Wilson's). With each of these three words there is a "cross-over" of meanings; they tend to blend into one another. They all have to do with perceiving and discerning in order to act wisely, with understanding and in genuine knowledge that glorifies God. It is about learning to know what to do with what we know through wisdom, understanding and knowledge.
There are many definitions of knowledge. A dictionary definition is "the facts, feelings or experiences known by a person or group of people" (Collins English Dictionary). Knowledge is derived from information but it is richer and more meaningful than information. It includes familiarity, awareness and understanding gained through experience or study, and results from making comparisons, identifying consequences, and making connections. Some experts include wisdom and insight in their definitions of knowledge. In organizational terms, knowledge is generally thought of as being "know how", "applied information", "information with judgment" or "the capacity for effective action".
Let's start this study with an explanation on each one (knowledge, understanding, and wisdom) as our introduction for week number one. I truly believe that we need all three to grow spiritually in the Lord, and in the things He desires us to accomplish in this life.
I Those with knowledge are able to collect, remember, and access information. They "know" the Scriptures. God's word is literally "in them". They are scholars. But, it is possible to have knowledge and lack understanding and wisdom; to have the facts, but have no clue as to the meaning or what to do next.
II Those with understanding are able to abstract the meaning out of information. They "see through" the facts to the dynamics of what, how, and why. They are teachers. Understanding is a lens which brings the facts into crisp focus. Understanding produces "rules of thumb" or principles.
III Those with wisdom know which principle to apply now. Understanding without wisdom can appear contradictory (Proverbs 26:4-5). For example, "He who hesitates is lost", is a valid principle as well as: "Haste makes waste". We see the truth of both. But which should we apply next? Those with wisdom know what to do next; they know which way to go. They do the right thing. In contrast, there are many who have great knowledge and understanding, but consistently do the wrong thing. Wisdom, in this sense, is the goal, and knowledge and understanding only have eternal value as they result in wisdom, or what we end up doing.
James 1:5 (NIV) If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
God promises wisdom to those who ask. Knowledge and understanding may be beyond us. Most often, when we pray for wisdom, God calls us into fellowship with believers who can provide an answer, but whom we may not like. God has given generously, but we will not submit ourselves to the Body of Christ to receive it!
The above definitions give the words a "special meaning". More often than not, the words are used in English as synonyms; and so it is with Scripture. By attaching "special meaning" to the words, it is hoped that real differences in function can be made clear. We will attempt to do this in our study.
Knowledge
Facts
Information
Memory
Scholars
Understanding
Meaning
Principles
Reason
Teacher
Wisdom
What to do next
Application
Action
Prophets
Knowledge, Understanding, and Wisdom
1 Corinthians 12:8 (NIV) To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit.
Scripture often uses the words knowledge, understanding, and wisdom interchangeably, but occasionally they are spoken of as separate and distinct. Thus, it may be useful to attempt to define the differences of meaning.
Knowledge is the facts. Understanding is the ability to lift the meaning out of the facts, and Wisdom is knowing what to do next. Since God rarely gives all three gifts to any person, we need to cooperate and assist each other with our particular gift in every area. We will use the book of Proverbs later to get an ideal more on knowledge, understanding, and wisdom.
How can I gain spiritual knowledge and wisdom?
Instruction is very important for those who desire to live a long and fruitful life and gain wisdom and knowledge. Those who instruct others must first have knowledge. As one is instructed he learns knowledge and is therefore able to instruct others.
"Apply your heart to instruction, and your ears to words of knowledge" (Proverbs 23.12).
All Christians should have a deep hunger and thirst for knowledge of the God (Psalm 42.1-2; 63.1; 143.6; Proverbs 9.10; 30.3), the Father, Son and HOLY SPIRIT. The way to gain that knowledge is through the study of the Scriptures. The more we study the Bible the more we learn of our Father, our Savior Jesus and the HOLY SPIRIT who dwells within all true born-again believers.
Fools hate spiritual knowledge and seldom seek it out. Professing Christians who ignore the greatest storehouse of spiritual knowledge in the universe are the most foolish. That storehouse is the Bible, the Word of Godâ"€the Holy Scriptures.
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction" (Proverbs 1.7).
Every believer should spend most time reading and studying (Deuteronomy 4.9-10; Proverbs 8.34; 23.12; Luke 8.15, 21; 11.28; James 1.22; Revelation 1.3, Deuteronomy 17.19; Psalm 42.1-2; 63.1; 143.6; Revelation 1.3), (Deuteronomy 8.3; Matthew 4.4; Proverbs 2.1-5; 8.34; 22.17; John 5.39; Acts 17.11; Romans 15.4; 2 Timothy 2.15; 3.15).
Memorizing the following passages will equip a believer to gain strength in the faith: (Deuteronomy 6.6; Psalm 37.31; 40.8; 119.11; Proverbs 2.1; 3.1, 3; 4.1, 21; 6.21; 22.18; Isaiah 51.7; Ezekiel 3.10) and contemplating on (Joshua 1.8; Job 22.22; 23.12; Psalm 1.2; 4.4; 19.14; 63.6; 77.12; 104.34; 119.15, 23, 27, 48, 78, 97, 99, 148; 143.5; 1 Timothy 4.15).
Instruction is something that everyone needs in order to gain knowledge. One should get as much as possible and no one can do without it. Every child needs instruction from his or her parents and that is why children are commanded to listen to what their parents teach them (Proverbs 1.8; 3.1; 4.1; 6.20; 23.22). Students need to listen to the instruction of their teachers if they want to learn something. On the job the new employee needs to listen to the instruction of the one training him.
The same is true in the spiritual realm. Parents should instruct their children in the ways of the Lord and in His Word. Fathers should be the head of the house and do most of the teaching (Deuteronomy 4.9; 6.6-7; 11.18; 32.46; Psalm 78.5). In the church the pastors and Bible teachers are to instruct the congregation and show them how to study the Bible on their own. They are to make disciples of everyone in the church (2 Timothy 2.2).
Christians who can study the Bible on their own have the special privilege of being taught by God the Father (James 1.5), by the Lord Himself (1 Corinthians 2.16; 2 Timothy 2.7), and by HOLY SPIRIT (1 John 2.27). Do not waste that great privilege. Sit at the feet of the Savior, God the Father and the HOLY SPIRIT.
"To know wisdom and instruction, to perceive the words of understanding, to receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, judgment, and equity; to give prudence to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion--A wise man will hear and increase learning, and a man of understanding will attain wise counsel" (Proverbs 1:2-5).
Listening is a very effective way of gaining knowledge and wisdom and it is a very rare attribute. Most people want to talk and talk and only a miniscule fraction of people want to listen. A person who listens to others is a wise person (1.5; 8.33; 12.15; 13.1; 19.20). Everyone needs to listen and learn from others. Christians should listen to their heavenly Father. The way we listen to Him is by hearing, reading, studying, memorizing and meditating on Scripture. If you want to grow spiritually listen to the Lord as often as possible through prayer and reading the Scriptures.
"Listen to counsel and receive instruction, that you may be wise in your latter days" (Proverbs 19.20).
"Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise, and apply your heart to my knowledge" (Proverbs 22.17).
When a Christian stops listening to the Lord, his or her life goes downhill. The traits of a person who is out of true fellowship with the Lord becomes evident with chronic manifestations of sinful behavior such as bringing division into Christian ministries or unfairly condemning others. Scripture tells us that even prayers from such a person are an abomination to God (Proverbs 28.9).
He or she will stray from the Word--stop obeying it (Proverbs 19.27) and slip into a backslidden condition and will eventually walk in the counsel of the wicked, stand in the path of sinners and sit in the seat of scoffers (Psalm 1.1). This person's life will no longer be like a tree planted by streams of water which yields its fruit in due season, whose leaf does not wither. Instead of prospering, eventually this type of person will come to ruin (Psalm 1.3). "He who is devoid of wisdom despises his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his peace" (Proverbs 11:12).
Wisdom is a precious treasure that everyone should seek after with greater zeal, more than worldly riches or anything else (Proverbs 2.1-5). Wisdom is more valuable than gold, silver, precious jewels or anything one can lust after (Proverbs 3.13-14; 8.10-11; 16.16). Everyone who seeks after wisdom on a daily basis loves his own soul (Proverbs 19.8).
Wisdom is found in the Bible. If you want wisdom directly from the Creator of the universe, study the Bible. Study Scripture daily (Acts 17.11) and study it diligently (2 Timothy 2.15). When you think you have studied the Bible enough start all over and study it more than before. Never stop studying Scripture because no one can grasp all the depths of the holy, infallible Word of God in this lifetime.
Definition:
knowl·edge noun \ˈnä-lij\
Information, understanding, or skill that you get from experience or education
Awareness of something : the state of being aware of something
Scripture References:
Proverbs 1:7
Proverbs 1:22
Proverbs 2:1, 3, 5
Proverbs 3:19-20
Proverbs 5:1-2
Proverbs 8:8-9, 12
Proverbs 10:14
Proverbs 11:9
Questions:
1). Name the component to knowledge, understanding, and wisdom.
2). Explain those with knowledge.
3). Explain those with understanding.
4). Explain those with wisdom.
5). What is the differences of meaning of knowledge, understanding, and wisdom?
6). How can we gain spiritual knowledge and wisdom?
7). Who despise knowledge and wisdom?
8). Instruction is something that everyone needs in order to gain what?
9). Christian should listen to their heavenly Father in what ways?
Weekly Reading: (optional)
Proverbs 1-4
God grant us the serenity to accept the things we cannot change; courage to change the things we can, and the WISDOM to know the different, amen…..
God bless this study (II Timothy 2:15)
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