That Ye May Know
Wisdom must become correct knowledge and issue in proper behaviour and actions to be truly effective.
G.W. North emphasizes the vital relationship between wisdom and knowledge, illustrating that true wisdom must lead to correct knowledge and ultimately manifest in righteous actions. He contrasts fleeting beauty with enduring fruitfulness, suggesting that wisdom, like a flower, must bear fruit to fulfill its purpose. North warns against the knowledge gained through sin, which leads to a loss of true wisdom, and asserts that genuine knowledge must stem from understanding and wisdom. He concludes that wisdom is not merely theoretical but must translate into behavior that reflects its power and virtue.
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In turn, and as its direct result, wisdom must become correct knowledge, for although blossom is sweet and wonderful, it must realise its end in fruit, or else it flowers in vain. God has caused some flowers to bloom just for their beauty and scent, but these are momentary things, flourishing for a few days and then passing away for ever. But there are blossoms which are promises of greater things, for lying in their hearts are the fruits they herald and for which they bloom and with whose existence they are bound up. Such is Wisdom.
As far as we are aware there was no tree of Wisdom in Paradise, but there was a tree of Knowledge (of Good and Evil), and it was a tree of fruit. Understanding and Wisdom in Adam had caused him to leave it alone until by temptation he fell into the sin of disobeying God. Knowledge gained by sin is loss of wisdom, for it is gained at the price of life; Knowledge must always be the fruit of Wisdom. Wisdom must flower for this, for Wisdom cannot exist as Wisdom alone; it is of Understanding unto Knowledge.
Flawless, factual and fragrant as it is, Wisdom exists for nothing if it does not ultimately issue in proper behaviour and actions and words which show its power. True Knowledge is gained from Understanding by Wisdom. Though Knowledge may be instructed from what it sees and hears and handles, and may be informed by the senses, to be spiritual it must be an accumulation from Wisdom, for it is the store of its virtues in the same way as Learning is the store of the mind.
Sermon Outline
- Wisdom and Knowledge
- The Relationship Between Wisdom and Understanding
- The Purpose of Wisdom
- Wisdom exists for proper behaviour and actions
- True Knowledge is gained from Understanding by Wisdom
Key Quotes
“God has caused some flowers to bloom just for their beauty and scent, but these are momentary things, flourishing for a few days and then passing away for ever.” — G.W. North
“Knowledge gained by sin is loss of wisdom, for it is gained at the price of life;” — G.W. North
“Wisdom must flower for this, for Wisdom cannot exist as Wisdom alone; it is of Understanding unto Knowledge.” — G.W. North
Application Points
- Wisdom must be applied in our daily lives through proper behaviour and actions.
- True knowledge can only be gained from understanding through wisdom.
- Spiritual knowledge must be accumulated from wisdom to be meaningful.