Solomon's SecretsSample

ABOUT KNOWLEDGE—LEARN EVERYDAY

There is a big difference between wisdom and knowledge. And I am sure most of us know someone who knows a lot about many things but still makes foolish decisions. However, wisdom can only go so far without knowledge.

King Solomon understood that he could only use his gift of wisdom to the full if it were complemented by knowledge. In 1 Kings 4, we read about his eagerness to learn about everything around him. “He could speak with authority about all kinds of plants, from the great cedar of Lebanon to the tiny hyssop that grows from cracks in a wall. He could also speak about animals, birds, small creatures, and fish. And kings from every nation sent their ambassadors to listen to the wisdom of Solomon” (1 Kings 4:33-34, NLT).

The wisdom of being eager to learn does not lie in the knowledge that you gain, but in acknowledging that you do not know everything. No one is as foolish as someone who thinks that they know it all. I am sure that King Solomon had a humbling experience every time he learned something new about his creator’s amazing handiwork in nature. And in the process, his wisdom became even greater.

During Jesus’ ministry on earth, He often illustrated great truths about God by applying sound general knowledge. He encouraged his disciples to study the birds and flowers of the field to gain an understanding of God’s never-ending provision (Mathew 6). And when it came to the news of the day, He was up to date with current affairs like taxes and social trends (Matthew 17; Mark 7). Jesus brought wisdom into the issues of the day by having a good foundation of knowledge.

Do you sometimes make decisions before gaining enough knowledge? Do you find it difficult to acknowledge that you may not know everything about an issue before raising your opinion about it?

Let us explore all creation with humble hearts and minds that are eager to learn. And let us follow King Solomon’s example by using all our knowledge to grow in godly wisdom.

“Choose my instruction rather than silver, and knowledge rather than pure gold” (Proverbs 8:10, NLT).