Knowledge
Do you ever have trouble with discernment? Do you sometimes
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struggle with discerning God’s will for your life or
what actions you need to take? Then you need to pray for
the gift of Knowledge.
In the world, knowledge is thought of as an accumulation of facts.
This is not so in the spiritual life. The gift of Knowledge might better
be thought of as insight. A suitable synonym for Knowledge might
be discernment. While it is sometimes confused with Wisdom, Understanding
and Counsel, it is not the same, though these gifts are all
interrelated and there may seem to be overlap between them.
Knowledge is ordered toward our actions. While wisdom helps us to
determine the difference between right and wrong, Knowledge helps
us to act on that. It helps us know more perfectly the will of God and
why and how God may be moving in certain situations.
We see a great example about the gift of Knowledge in Matthew
13. Jesus has just told a parable, and His disciples approach and ask
Him, “Why do you speak to them in parables? He said to them in reply,
‘Because knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven
has been granted to you, but to them it has not been granted.’”
Two passages from the Book of Proverbs help us zero in on the gift
of Knowledge.
“The mind of the intelligent gains knowledge, and the ear of the wise
seeks knowledge.” (Proverbs 18:15) This tells us knowledge differs
from intelligence, and wisdom is not the same as knowledge.
“Without knowledge even zeal is not good; and he who acts hastily,
blunders.” (Proverbs 19:2)
For further study:
Matthew 13:10-15