Know. Everyone knows different things. Using the statement “I know” implies that it is settled or something that is sure. Webster’s 1828 dictionary says to know is “to understand clearly”; “to not be doubtful”. In this world, there are a lot of things to “know” but that don’t necessarily match the words quoted about. Let’s consider “know” using the following acronym.
KNOWLEDGE of the
NAME of Jesus followed by
OBEDIENCE leads to
WISDOM
One way to define knowledge is information, power of knowing (Websters 1828 dictionary). The information about the name of Jesus paired with the power of knowing the name of Jesus opens the doors to opportunities we don’t have access to on our own. Proverbs 22:12a says, “The eyes of the Lord keep guard over knowledge and the one who has it…” (AMP). The Lord watches over his children and the ones who believe and call upon the name of Jesus. He guards those who seek to gain knowledge about Him. We open the door with knowledge of Jesus and what He did for us. That continues then as we move along our journey with “obedience”. Websters 1828 says that obedience is “submission to authority”. That might sound a little overwhelming because submitting to others isn’t always a popular idea. Proverbs 16:3 in the amplified version says,” Commit your works to the Lord (submit and trust them to Him), And your plans will succeed (if you respond to His will and guidance).” It doesn’t say your plans might succeed-it says they will. You have to first trust Him and respond to His guidance. So as we trust and obey the things He says, we can then move into having and using wisdom. Websters 1828 dictionary says that wisdom is the “right use and exercise of knowledge”. So knowledge and wisdom are not the same. Wisdom is using the knowledge we have gained. We can only gain knowledge of God by reading His word and spending time in prayer.
We can survive our situations and circumstances by only utilizing part of the acronym above. We will thrive when we put all the pieces together!
Nae's Notes 