Adam and Eve saw that the tree of knowledge of good and bad was "desirable for gaining wisdom" (Gn 3:6). They wanted knowledge but not wisdom, for true wisdom is obedient (see Prv 1:28-33). Sin and rebelliousness never lead to true wisdom.
Some members of the church of Thyatira wanted to know the " 'deep secrets' of Satan" (Rv 2:24). Whether due to sinfulness or to the desire to know Satan's plan so they could try to expel him more specifically, this "knowledge" (1 Cor 8:1) is not wisdom. "Wisdom like this does not come from above. It is earthbound, a kind of animal, even devilish, cunning" (Jas 3:15). Personal knowledge or experience of evil is not true wisdom. "Wisdom from above, by contrast, is first of all innocent" (Jas 3:17).
Paul corrected those Colossians who made "a certain show of wisdom in their affected piety, humility, and bodily austerity" (Col 2:23). Some of them sought to know "cosmic powers" rather than Jesus (Col 2:8), much like New Agers today. "The chief effect" of this type of wisdom is pride (Col 2:23). Seeking religious wisdom, scientific information, or self-knowledge apart from Jesus is not wisdom, for wisdom is the image of God (Wis 7:26).
We won't become wise by collecting more information or experiences. We gain wisdom by growing in our relationship with Jesus, for He is "our Wisdom" (1 Cor 1:30). "Get wisdom" (Prv 4:7). Accept Jesus as your Wisdom, Lord, Savior, and God.
| PRAYER: | Father, "give me Wisdom, the Attendant at Your throne" (Wis 9:4). May I always grow in wisdom before You (Lk 2:52). |
| PROMISE: | "The reign of God is already in your midst." –Lk 17:21 |
| PRAISE: | St. Josaphat worked tirelessly to reform his own order and for unity in the Church. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College