It's not merely conscious awareness, but also an experiential spiritual application of truth in daily life. This knowledge is often gained through personal experiences, meditation and prayer, and studying wisdom literature, history and scripture. It involves discernment, perception, and the ability to apply truth to life situations. For instance, knowing that a tomato is a fruit is knowledge, but wisdom dictates not putting it in a fruit salad. True knowledge involves understanding what to do with information.
Knowledge provides the raw information, understanding helps grasp its meaning, and wisdom guides its application. For example, knowing scripture is knowledge, comprehending their meaning is understanding, and applying their principles to life is wisdom.
Knowledge can be a gift from the Divine, a revelation of truth. It also emphasizes the importance of actively pursuing knowledge through study, meditation, prayer, and adherence to Divine guidance. The scriptures of the Bible also warn that knowledge can be misused if not coupled with love and humility; "knowledge puffs up, but love builds up".
True knowledge is meant to lead to growth, service, and a closer relationship with the divine. Just plain knowledge can lead to pride or arrogance, hindering such a relationship.
Some Key Takeaways:
- More than just know about the divine, spiritual knowledge is an experiential understanding of the divine's character and guidance, often involving a personal relationship.
- Knowledge provides the raw information. Understanding helps to grasp its meaning. Wisdom guides its application.
- Knowledge is a first step, meant to lead towards growth, service, and a closer relationship with the Divine. Just plain knowledge can lead to arrogance. Arrogance hinders a closer relationship with the divine.
NEXT ATTRIBUTE: Self-Control