BIBLE STUDY BOOK OF PROVERBS WEEK #1 (ANSWERS)

  Questions:

 

 

1).        Name the component to knowledge, understanding, and wisdom.

 

Knowledge; Facts, Information, Memory, Scholars

 

Understanding; Meaning, Principles, Reason, Teacher

 

Wisdom; What to do next, Application, Action, Prophets

 

2).        Explain those with knowledge.

Those with knowledge are able to collect, remember, and access information. They "know" the Scriptures. God's word is literally "in them". They are scholars. But, it is possible to have knowledge and lack understanding and wisdom; to have the facts, but have no clue as to the meaning or what to do next.

 

3).        Explain those with understanding.

Those with understanding are able to abstract the meaning out of information. They "see through" the facts to the dynamics of what, how, and why. They are teachers. Understanding is a lens which brings the facts into crisp focus. Understanding produces "rules of thumb" or principles.

 

4).        Explain those with wisdom.

Those with wisdom know which principle to apply now. Understanding without wisdom can appear contradictory (Proverbs 26:4-5). For example, "He who hesitates is lost", is a valid principle as well as: "Haste makes waste". We see the truth of both. But which should we apply next? Those with wisdom know what to do next; they know which way to go. They do the right thing. In contrast, there are many who have great knowledge and understanding, but consistently do the wrong thing. Wisdom, in this sense, is the goal, and knowledge and understanding only have eternal value as they result in wisdom, or what we end up doing.

 

5).        What is the differences of meaning of knowledge, understanding, and wisdom?

Knowledge is the facts. Understanding is the ability to lift the meaning out of the facts, and Wisdom is knowing what to do next. Since God rarely gives all three gifts to any person, we need to cooperate and assist each other with our particular gift in every area.  We will use the book of Proverbs later to get an ideal more on knowledge, understanding, and wisdom. 

 

6).        How can we gain spiritual knowledge and wisdom?

James 1:5 (NIV) If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. We must read the Bible, because wisdom is found in the Bible through reading the book of Proverbs, and spiritual knowledge and wisdom can be gained by seeking God whole heartedly through fasting and prayer. There is a secular (natural) knowledge, but spiritual knowledge only comes from God.

 

7).        Who despise knowledge and wisdom?

Fools hate spiritual knowledge and seldom seek it out. Professing Christians who ignore the greatest storehouse of spiritual knowledge in the universe are the most foolish. That storehouse is the Bible, the Word of God the Holy Scriptures.  "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction" (Proverbs 1.7).

 

8).        Instruction is something that everyone needs in order to gain what?

Instruction is very important for those who desire to live a long and fruitful life and gain wisdom and knowledge. Those who instruct others must first have knowledge. As one is instructed he learns knowledge and is therefore able to instruct others.

 

9).        Christian should listen to their heavenly Father in what ways?

The way we listen to Him is by hearing, reading, studying, memorizing and meditating on Scripture. If you want to grow spiritually listen to the Lord as often as possible through prayer and reading the Scriptures.  "Listen to counsel and receive instruction, that you may be wise in your latter days" (Proverbs 19.20).  "Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise, and apply your heart to my knowledge" (Proverbs 22.17).