Wisdom

by Johnny McCulloch

Job says the fear of God that is wisdom - Job 28:28. Solomon puts it this way "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Psalms 9:10. What about wisdom and understanding? Are they the same? Wisdom should not be confused with knowledge. The latter is obtained by study, observation and experience, but as Spurgeon, the well, known Baptist minister in England during the past! century, pointed out,"Wisdom is the right use of knowledge. To know is not to be wise. Many! men know a great deal, and are the greater fool for it. There is no fool so great as a knowing fool. But to know how to use knowledge is to have wisdom. The Lord's people therefore should make every effort to obtain all the know~ ledge they can from the Bible and every other worthy field: and then ask God to give them the ability to form correct judgements and employ the knowledge in ways which will please Him.
Inge says, "the wise man is he who knows the relative value of things."
Tom sum up, anyone with good eyes, plenty of Books, plenty of time and a retentive mind can obtain knowledge, but wisdom comes only from God. Biblical wisdom is both religious and practical. It stems from the fear of the Lord and branches out to touch all phases of life. Wisdom takes insights which are gathered from God's says and applies them in the daily walks of this life. But, someone objects there are many irreverent men which have wisdom. True but where did they obtain it? It is a gift from God. We cannot carry "all men are created equal too far." Else why can some sing, some paint masterpieces, some run fast, some jump high and some have wisdom?

• Experience -Sep 21, 2008
• Wise or Foolish? -Oct 16, 2005