Knowledge, Understanding, Wisdom

[Guest Evgen]

Q: Preacher, how would you define Knowledge, Understanding, and Wisdom for Christians?

A: The Bible translations (King James Pure Cambridge inclusive) don’t differentiate between these three (K & U & W) very strictly. In fact, they often are presented synonyms. See the Scripture references following.

Only GOD gives K & U & W:

1Chronicles 22:12; Psalm 119:104; Proverbs 2:6; 1Corinthians 12:8; James 1:5

 

Fear of & Obedience to GOD is K & U & W:

Deuteronomy 4:5-6; Job 28:28; Psalm 111:10; Proverbs 1:7; 9:10

 

K & U & W are with Godly man:

Proverbs 10:13; 14:29; 15:14; 24:5

 

Nevertheless, trying not to deviate from the Scriptures, I defined for myself these three Blessings as follows.

 

Knowledge –

GOD-given Measure of Revelation about every existing thing, natural and spiritual. The only Source of True Knowledge is the Word of GOD.

Knowledge is the fundamental essential to comprehend the Spirit Laws of GOD & His Holy Will – the Truth written down in His Word and the Will never contradicting it. We can develop that Gift on, along with our spiritual hearing, to receive it better, by being subordinated to the Holy Spirit – our Promised Teacher. In chapter 52, I tried to differentiate between the Beginning Knowledge based on Faith and the Advanced Knowledge based on actual experience with the LORD our GOD.

 

Understanding –

GOD-given Measure of Ability to see the spiritual reasons for every process around. Understanding is based on Knowledge and may grow up as well. Understanding enables us to see the Truth of the Word of GOD in all given circumstances & conditions. Thus, the Holy Spirit of GOD teaches us on.

 

Wisdom –

GOD-given Measure of a real Skill to use and rule the existing things Godly way. Wisdom firmly stands upon and is backed up by Knowledge & Understanding. Wisdom is tied up with GOD’s Fear and Obedience to His Word. It’s the actual implementation of Knowledge & Understanding from a single word or action to the steadfast practice. The Holy Ghost gives us all the Power needful.

 

There is no Truth apart from the Spirit. The most brilliant intellect may be imbecilic when confronted with the Mysteries of GOD. For a man to understand Revealed Truth requires an Act of GOD equal to the original Act which inspired the Text...

...True spiritual Knowledge is the result of a Visitation of Heavenly Wisdom, a kind of Baptism of the Spirit of Truth which comes to GOD-Fearing men.

(A.W. Tozer, GOD’s Pursuit Of Man)

 

(“Q & A – Christian Communion in Questions & Answers,” chapter 58)