We live in a day and age where there is a lot of information and it is readily available. There are sources galore where one can get the latest news, learn about any topic of interest, and read and listen to their favorite books and music. The question, and one that requires discernment, is: “Do these sources provide true and accurate information?”
The bible told us that knowledge would increase as the days of the end draw closer.
“But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.”
[Dan 12:4 NKJV]
More knowledge does not necessarily mean wisdom, though. Knowledge and wisdom are not the same. Solomon knew this, which is why he asked God for both.
“Now give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people; for who can judge this great people of Yours?”
[2Ch 1:10 NKJV]
Knowledge is good and that is how we learn. Wisdom is what we do with that knowledge. Do we use it for good or for evil? Wisdom is also the ability to discern whether something is good or bad; true or false.
Websters dictionary defines knowledge as:
the fact or condition of knowing something with familiarity gained through experience or association – https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/knowledge
Wisdom is defined as:
ability to discern inner qualities and relationships – https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wisdom
Information is only as good as its source. How many of us these days vet every source we choose to read? Does the source align with the Bible or does it throw in some scripture just to make it seem like truth? Even the prince of darkness knows the Bible.
We know this because he quoted scripture when trying to tempt Christ when “Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.” – Mat 4:1 The devil used the Word of God to try and make Christ sin.
and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: ‘He shall give His angels charge over you,’ and, ‘In [their] hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.’ ”
[Mat 4:6 NKJV]
The thing about information is that it can be all true, not true at all, or partially true. We must use discernment (wisdom) to determine where the information falls in those categories. In order to determine if information is true or not we must know God’s Word. We must have it written on our hearts.
“Therefore you shall lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes.
[Deu 11:18 NKJV]
God is not confusion. He is all truth. If you are unsure, ask God to show you. He will guide you and will help you know the truth.
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
[Jas 1:5 NKJV]
In these last days, let’s focus on seeking truth using God’s Word, rather than emotion, as our guide.
Dear Jesus:
You are Truth. We know we can trust you and your Word. Every day we are overwhelmed with knowledge as we learn new things and research information be it for business or personal growth. Lord, we know deception is rampant. You say even the elect would be deceived, if it was possible. We are so grateful that it isn’t possible for your elect to be deceived for the elect stay in your Word. Lord Jesus, please give us discernment. As information, both good and evil, comes at us from all sides, give us the wisdom to know what is truth and what is lies. Give us courage to share the truth, your truth. Please give wisdom to our leaders who follow you. Protect and guide them. Thank you, Jesus, that in these times we can turn to you. Thank you that through you we can have peace and not confusion.
In Jesus Name, Amen.
For God is not [the author] of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.
[1Co 14:33 NKJV]
Prayer Day 7: Guiding Light