Is Knowledge Enough?

Are you impressed by knowledge? Do you hold those who have Masters and Doctorate degrees in high regard? If I told you the phases of cell reproduction would you be impressed? They are “interphase”, “prophase”, “metaphase”, “anaphase”, and “telophase.” It was in High School I learned those phases and recalled them again for one of my college science classes, but why do I still remember them? I made up the acronym “IPMAT” so I could remember these phases and their order. Now you know that I know them, but can I explain the process to you? No! You see, I have the knowledge of what the phases are called, but I do not have the wisdom or understanding to tell you how the process all works.

Paul referred to those who were “ALWAYS LEARNING AND NEVER ABLE TO ARRIVE AT A KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUTH.” ( 2 Timothy 3:7 ESV) Maybe we could refer to these as “educated fools” because they sought knowledge, but apparently had not learned how to use that knowledge to come to an UNDERSTANDING of the truth. We might be able to impress people with our ability to remember facts and trivia (and I enjoy watching “Jeopardy”), but the real need is for WISDOM and UNDERSTANDING. The knowledge is beneficial when we KNOW HOW TO APPLY IT to our life.

With regard to WISDOM and UNDERSTANDING Solomon exhorted…
“(6) Do not forsake her, and she will keep you; love her, and she will guard you. (7) The beginning of wisdom is this: GET WISDOM, AND WHATEVER YOU GET, GET INSIGHT. (8) PRIZE HER HIGHLY, and she will exalt you; she will honor you if you embrace her. (9) She will place on your head a graceful garland; she will bestow on you a beautiful crown.” ( Proverbs 4:6-9 ESV)

Verse 7 from the New Living Translation reads, “Getting wisdom is THE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU CAN DO! And whatever else you do, get good judgment.” [NLT © 1997, Tyndale House]

And the New International Version reads, “Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. THOUGH IT COST ALL YOU HAVE, get understanding.” [NIV, © 1996, 1984, Zondervan]

In your pursuit of knowledge, know what will make the difference. Ask God for WISDOM and UNDERSTANDING as you sort through all the knowledge. And keep Paul’s warning in mind:

“(20) O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and CONTRADICTIONS OF WHAT IS FALSELY CALLED ‘KNOWLEDGE,’ (21) for by professing it some have swerved from the faith. Grace be with you." ( 1 Timothy 6:20-21 ESV)

Have a great day WISELY APPLYING WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNED!
Carl
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[This focus was originally sent 07/15/1998 (Edited some with passages changed to ESV)]

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