WISDOM – THE APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE – IS THE CONTEXT IN DOING LIFE: THE PLACE FOR – ZEAL [PASSION], KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING IN FULFILLING LIFE PURPOSE!
“If the AXE is DULL and he does NOT SHARPEN its edge, then he must EXERT more strength; but WISDOM [to SHARPEN the AXE] helps him SUCCEED [with LESS effort]” Ecclesiastes 10:10/Amplified
Wisdom is PROFITABLE to DIRECT when one sharpens his life with knowledge.
For godly wisdom is the application of godly knowledge.
And godly knowledge is a consequence of godly INFORMATION — of being informed.
When rightly applied with understanding of the context in question, it gives godly DIRECTION.
For an informed, wise person makes informed, wise judgments and decisions.
He feels no evil, imagines no evil, and thinks no evil in times of pressure and in judgment.
“Who is as the WISE man? and who KNOWETH the interpretation of a thing? a man’s WISDOM maketh his face to shine, and the boldness of his face shall be changed . . . 5 Whoso keepeth the commandment shall FEEL NO EVIL thing: and a WISE man’s heart discerneth both TIME and JUDGMENT” Ecclesiastes 8:1, 5.
Therefore, I want you to SELAH for some moments before proceeding further.
For SELAH is to PAUSE AND THINK — probably over the header, the content, and the context as you read along.
And godly wisdom — the application of godly knowledge — is the essence of grace and virtue in all that pertains to doing earthly life and living godly toward the heavenly cause, by God’s divine enabling nature and power for the believing one in Christ Jesus’ stead.
So, pause and think as it is written:
“Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: 2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you THROUGH THE KNOWLEDGE of God, and of Jesus our Lord, 3 according as his DIVINE POWER hath given unto us all things that pertain unto LIFE and GODLINESS, THROUGH THE KNOWLEDGE of him that hath called us to GLORY and VIRTUE: 4 whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be PARTAKERS of the DIVINE NATURE, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust” 2 Peter 1:1-4.
Know for sure and certain, that while there is a time to SOAR IN DOMINION, there is also a place of PASSION [ZEAL], KNOWLEDGE and UNDERSTANDING in life that is worth proper comprehension, in order to FULFILL PURPOSE meaningfully — in the wisdom of doing life and living godly in Christ Jesus’ stead.
You need to have the perspective of each context respectively in order to apply your heart to the path of wisdom.
For wisdom is the principal principle for your well-being, to ensure your God-given BLESSEDNESS in Christ Jesus’ stead is profitable, as it is written:
“If the AXE is DULL and he does NOT SHARPEN its EDGE, then he must EXERT MORE STRENGTH; but WISDOM [to sharpen the axe] helps him SUCCEED [with less effort]” Ecclesiastes 10:10/Amplified.
LET US CONSIDER THE CONTEXT OF – PASSION (ZEAL), KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING – IN THEIR RESPECTIVE RELATIVE PERSPECTIVE TO WISDOM:
THE CONCEPT OF PASSION
Passion, meaning Zeal, is a strong feeling — being intensely emotional about something. It is the vitality to our life PLAN, PURPOSE, and PURSUIT.
However, mere passion — being passionate or zealous about something — is not enough to carry one through in life’s Plan, Purpose, and Pursuit.
One needs KNOWLEDGE to enhance PASSION or ZEAL to a fruitful end.
Our Lord Jesus Christ in humanity was full of COMPASSION [PASSIONATE] in all His ways of doing life to meet human needs. Matthew 15:32; Hebrews 5:1-10
Although it is possible to be passionate about something without compassion, you cannot have compassion without being passionate to see the passion through.
It therefore also means that being passionate about something with compassion — Career, Marriage, Relationship, Skill, Trade, Governance, Leadership, Ministry and more — can only be meaningful when there is added KNOWLEDGE to that desired PASSION.
And this is simply why:
“Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. 2 For I bear them record that they have a ZEAL [PASSION] of God, but not according to KNOWLEDGE. 3 For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. 4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth” Romans 10:1-4 (Emphasis Mine).
THE CONCEPT OF KNOWLEDGE
KNOWLEDGE is the information we feed into our being that defines our response to various matters in our doing life and living godly.
And knowledge in context is not very much appreciated until you have experienced the effect of IGNORANCE — leading to stupidity and foolishness.
It is very vital in our cause to life PLAN, PURPOSE, and PURSUIT to enhance one’s endeavours with the required or expected KNOWLEDGE for proficiency and for effectual and efficient results.
One of the great High Priestly PRAYERS of Jesus Christ while in humanity was for us to KNOW the Father God — John 17:3.
And He was so concerned about those that believe in Him to KNOW the TRUTH also — John 8:30-32.
He equally challenged the religious sectarians and bigots of His days to KNOW the Scriptures in order for them to KNOW the power of God accordingly, otherwise they would keep living a mistaken and erroneous life — Matthew 22:29.
It thus means that the KNOWING of the context of a thing is important to evade ignorance, stupidity, foolishness, and erroneous transmission of information.
However, as good and important as KNOWLEDGE is, it is not enough to get stalled in knowledge. There is the need for UNDERSTANDING of that KNOWLEDGE in order to make it meaningful.
For mere KNOWLEDGE without UNDERSTANDING puffs up — meaning it breeds PRIDE and ARROGANCE — and it is a dangerous place to be before God in all ramifications, because God resists the PROUD and ARROGANT in totality — James 4:5-7; Proverbs 15:25; Proverbs 16:5.
Hence, to safeguard against pride and arrogance that a mere having of ONLY KNOWLEDGE can produce, be wise to add UNDERSTANDING to KNOWLEDGE, as in this scriptural admonition:
“Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. KNOWLEDGE PUFFETH UP, but charity edifieth. 2 And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know. 3 But if any man love God, the same is known of him” 1 Corinthians 8:1-3 (Emphasis Mine).
THE CONCEPT OF UNDERSTANDING
The UNDERSTANDING of what you KNOW and are PASSIONATE about is the key to WISDOM for doing the life PLAN, PURPOSE, and PURSUIT.
Until one UNDERSTANDS full well what one is KNOWLEDGEABLE and PASSIONATE about, there will be life struggle to attain a THRIVING, COLOURFUL, MEANINGFUL, and FULFILLING lifestyle in our cause of doing LIFE and GODLY LIVING in Christ Jesus’ stead.
Our Lord Jesus had to ask two people He met on the way after His resurrection, as He walked with them, if they understood what they were discussing — even though they knew the scriptural context of what they were discussing on the road to Emmaus.
And since they knew the context but did not understand the context, He then expounded the Scriptures to their understanding, and their spiritual eyes were illuminated and enlightened — Luke 24:1-27.
Hence, there is the need to get UNDERSTANDING to help us make right decisions, which is wisdom — the bedrock and hallmark to living victoriously, as enjoined:
“WISDOM is the principal thing; therefore GET wisdom: and with all thy GETTING GET UNDERSTANDING” Proverbs 4:7 (Emphasis Mine).
IN SUMMARY:
When you measure your passionate life as expected of you to have as a living being in any field of doing life with KNOWLEDGE — and you enhance that knowledge with UNDERSTANDING in context to the matter of life — there is no force on earth that can stop you in any endeavour, no matter how long it takes to deal with the circumstances in the context of time.
Be wise to walk in WISDOM — PASSIONATE KNOWING [KNOWLEDGE] + UNDERSTANDING, for it makes you a winner, victor, overcomer, triumphant, and MORE THAN A CONQUEROR in the battlefield of life — any day, any time, and anywhere.
SELAH – PAUSE AND THINK!
SCRIPTURAL THOUGHTS WORTH PONDERING IN CONTEXT:
“Then Jesus called his disciples unto him, and said, I have COMPASSION on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way” Matthew 15:32 (Mark 8:2).
“. . . 32 Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: 33 shouldest not thou also have had COMPASSION on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? 34 And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him . . .” Matthew 18:21-35.
“As he spake these words, many BELIEVED on him. 31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which BELIEVED on him, If ye CONTINUE in my word, then are ye my DISCIPLES INDEED; 32 and ye shall KNOW THE TRUTH, and THE TRUTH shall make you FREE” John 8:30-32.
“Who is as the WISE man? and who knoweth the interpretation of a thing? a man’s WISDOM maketh his FACE to shine, and the BOLDNESS of his FACE shall be CHANGED” Ecclesiastes 8:1.
“The man that WANDERETH out of the WAY of UNDERSTANDING shall remain in the CONGREGATION of the dead” Proverbs 21:16.
“Good UNDERSTANDING giveth favour: but the way of TRANSGRESSORS is HARD (DIFFICULT, UNPRODUCTIVE)” Proverbs 13:15.
“Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do ERR (ERROR, MISTAKEN), not KNOWING the scriptures, nor the POWER of God” Matthew 22:29.
“My people are DESTROYED for LACK OF KNOWLEDGE: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children” Hosea 4:6.
“Therefore my people are gone into CAPTIVITY, because they have NO KNOWLEDGE: and their honourable men are famished, and their multitude dried up with thirst. 14 Therefore hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure: and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth, shall descend into it. 15 And the mean man shall be brought down, and the mighty man shall be humbled, and the eyes of the lofty shall be humbled” Isaiah 5:13-15.
SUMMARY:
This message is a teaching on the divine formula for fulfilling life purpose: WISDOM, which is the APPLICATION OF GODLY KNOWLEDGE through PASSION [ZEAL] and UNDERSTANDING. Without all three working together, life becomes dull, wasted effort, and vulnerable to ignorance, pride, and bondage.
KEY POINTS
- WISDOM IS PROFITABLE TO DIRECT LIFE
Wisdom sharpens the axe — “WISDOM [to SHARPEN the AXE] helps him SUCCEED [with LESS effort]” [Ecclesiastes 10:10].
Godly Wisdom = The application of godly knowledge.
Godly Knowledge = A consequence of godly INFORMATION — being informed.
When applied with understanding, it gives godly DIRECTION.
Result of wisdom: A wise person makes informed judgments, feels no evil, and “discerneth both TIME and JUDGMENT” [Ecclesiastes 8:5]. His face shines with boldness [Ecclesiastes 8:1].
Divine source: “His DIVINE POWER hath given unto us all things that pertain unto LIFE and GODLINESS, THROUGH THE KNOWLEDGE of him” [2 Peter 1:2-3]. We become partakers of the divine nature through it. - THE THREE PILLARS TO FULFILL PURPOSE
You need all three in balance. One without the others leads to frustration.
THE CONCEPT OF PASSION [ZEAL]
Definition: A strong, intense feeling. The vitality to life PLAN, PURPOSE, and PURSUIT.
Not enough alone: Mere zeal without knowledge leads to error. “They have a ZEAL of God, but not according to KNOWLEDGE” [Romans 10:2].
Must have Compassion: Jesus was full of COMPASSION [PASSIONATE] to meet human needs [Matthew 15:32]. You can be passionate without compassion, but you cannot have compassion without passion.
Applies to all: Career, Marriage, Ministry, Leadership, Governance etc. Passion + Compassion must be enhanced by knowledge.
THE CONCEPT OF KNOWLEDGE
Definition: The information we feed into our being that defines our response to life.
Why it matters: Ignorance leads to stupidity and foolishness. “My people are DESTROYED for LACK OF KNOWLEDGE” [Hosea 4:6]. “No KNOWLEDGE = CAPTIVITY” [Isaiah 5:13].
Jesus emphasised it: Prayed we KNOW the Father [John 17:3], KNOW the Truth to be free [John 8:31-32], and KNOW the Scriptures and power of God [Matthew 22:29].
Danger: Mere knowledge without understanding PUFFS UP — breeds PRIDE and ARROGANCE. “God resists the PROUD” [James 4:6]. “KNOWLEDGE PUFFETH UP, but charity edifieth” [1 Corinthians 8:1].
THE CONCEPT OF UNDERSTANDING
Definition: The ability to grasp what you know and are passionate about. It is the key to WISDOM.
Why it matters: Without understanding there is struggle. “The man that WANDERETH out of the WAY of UNDERSTANDING shall remain in the CONGREGATION of the dead” [Proverbs 21:16]. “Good UNDERSTANDING giveth favour” [Proverbs 13:15].
Jesus modelled it: On the road to Emmaus, He expounded Scriptures so their understanding and spiritual eyes were enlightened [Luke 24:27].
Command: “WISDOM is the principal thing; therefore GET wisdom: and with all thy GETTING GET UNDERSTANDING” [Proverbs 4:7].
- THE FORMULA FOR VICTORIOUS LIVING
WISDOM = PASSIONATE KNOWING [KNOWLEDGE] + UNDERSTANDING
When you apply this:
- You fulfill purpose meaningfully in Christ Jesus’ stead.
- You apply your heart to the path of wisdom for God-given BLESSEDNESS.
- You become a winner, victor, overcomer, triumphant, and MORE THAN A CONQUEROR in the battlefield of life.
SCRIPTURAL THOUGHTS TO PONDER
- Compassion in Action: “I have COMPASSION on the multitude” [Matthew 15:32]. “Shouldest not thou also have had COMPASSION on thy fellowservant?” [Matthew 18:33]
- Knowledge brings Freedom: “ye shall KNOW THE TRUTH, and THE TRUTH shall make you FREE” [John 8:32]
- Consequences of No Knowledge: Destruction [Hosea 4:6], Captivity [Isaiah 5:13], Error [Matthew 22:29]
- Wisdom changes you: “a man’s WISDOM maketh his FACE to shine” [Ecclesiastes 8:1]
CALL TO ACTION
- SHARPEN YOUR AXE WITH KNOWLEDGE — Be informed by God’s Word. Don’t live by zeal alone or by ignorance.
- ADD UNDERSTANDING TO YOUR KNOWLEDGE — Don’t get stalled in head knowledge. Ask God to give you insight so knowledge doesn’t puff you up.
- LET PASSION BE FUELED BY COMPASSION — Be zealous but let it be to meet needs and glorify God, not self.
- APPLY WISDOM DAILY — In every PLAN, PURPOSE, and PURSUIT, use PASSION + KNOWLEDGE + UNDERSTANDING to make decisions. This is how you “SOAR IN DOMINION” and fulfill purpose.
- GUARD YOUR HEART — Avoid pride, arrogance, and error. Walk in humility before God’s divine power.
DECLARATION:
WISDOM IS THE PRINCIPAL THING.
GET WISDOM. GET UNDERSTANDING.
Walk in PASSIONATE KNOWING + UNDERSTANDING and you cannot be stopped.
REV. CHUKIE MORSI
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