Wisdom verses Education

[aspen]

Let's talk about wisdom

The Bible talks about the precious nature of true wisdom, so what is it? How do we acquire it?

How is it different from education?

Man's wisdom vs. God's wisdom

Can Christians profit from the wise of the world?

Is it better to memorize scripture and facts about the Bible and theology or is speculative theology more valuable? Or are they equal?

Is education damaging to the Christian faith? Educated Theologians? Liberal Education?

In my opinion, education is learning information and the memorization of facts and the ability to recall them.

Wisdom is the ability to think about, integrate information, and produce new ideas through the combination of facts and experience.

 

[justaname]

Wisdom, wow what a subject. As stated it is more precious than rubies or gold. One can be a wealth of knowledge yet be as foolish as any common man. The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom, but not by the spewing of information, but by the God given gift of wisdom, imputed through the HolySpirit. Wisdom can be more of an action as opposed to a possession. Think only the possessor being God, yet wisdom she being more like one crying in the wind. He who has an ear.

 

[Redeemed86]

Let's talk about wisdom


The Bible talks about the precious nature of true wisdom, so what is it? How do we acquire it?

Psalm 111:10
[sup]10[/sup] The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;
all who follow his precepts have good understanding.

Based on this, the beginning of all true wisdom starts with belief and submission to God. Since he hasn't made an exception for the worldly "wisdom", there is no real value in it. Which is confirmed in the NT:

1 Corinthians 3:18
[sup]18[/sup] Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become “fools” so that you may become wise. [sup]19[/sup] For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness”[sup][a][/sup]; [sup]20[/sup] and again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.”[sup][b][/sup] [sup]21[/sup] So then, no more boasting about human leaders! All things are yours, [sup]22[/sup] whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas[sup][c][/sup] or the world or life or death or the present or the future—all are yours, [sup]23[/sup] and you are of Christ, and Christ is of God.

The worlds wisdom is just as filthy a rag as it's righteousness.

How is it different from education?

Education although given by God, is governed by men and thus is subject to the pitfalls and sin nature of men (ie: bias, control, greed, etc.) Men only know what they have experienced or learned through trial and error. Godly wisdom is from God, who is perfect, complete and absolute in His wisdom.

Man's wisdom vs. God's wisdom

Man's wisdom is relative to the times and his experience in the subject or area. God's all-knowing, unchanging, perfect wisdom reigns supreme and transcends time itself.

Can Christians profit from the wise of the world?

The "wisdom" of the world is profitable to the world only. I believe knowledge is definitely necessary and profitable for believer and unbeliever, alike.

Is it better to memorize scripture and facts about the Bible and theology or is speculative theology more valuable? Or are they equal?

I think it is better to memorize scripture and then speculate further from there, or else your entire faith will be speculation because you won't know who God has revealed Himself to be in the bible.

Is education damaging to the Christian faith? Educated Theologians? Liberal Education?

No, but after the basics and fundamental areas, things can veer into Godless worldviews, which do everything but keep you on a path towards God.

 

[THE Gypsy]

Man's wisdom vs. God's wisdom

Can Christians profit from the wise of the world?

IMO...Yes. Too many Christians remain ignorant as to what's going on in the world. It is also one of the most damaging aspects of Christianity. "Wordly wisdom" can be a valuable tool. Military manuevers are the most successful when they are know their enemy...And we are indeed at war.

Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. Matt 10:16

That is cannot acheived through ignorance.

Is it better to memorize scripture and facts about the Bible and theology or is speculative theology more valuable? Or are they equal?

That's a tough one. I'd have to say equal. Satan himself has "memorized scripture" and is a pro at manipulation. Let's not forget a lot of the scripture is metaphorical...which requires "speculation" (Through divine guidance).

Is education damaging to the Christian faith? Educated Theologians? Liberal Education?

Overall...No. It can be. It simply depends on the seriousness of the student and their divine calling. It can be a very useful tool.

In my opinion, education is learning information and the memorization of facts and the ability to recall them.

Wisdom is the ability to think about, integrate information, and produce new ideas through the combination of facts and experience.

I'd have to say pretty much the same thing...

Knowledge is "learning information and the memorization of facts and the ability to recall them"

Wisdom is the ability to know how to use it.