Is knowing stuff the same as knowledge?
Proverbs 5:1-2--I used to have this problem--and I'm working on it. I used to love knowing stuff. Helpful stuff. Hurtful stuff. Comforting stuff. Confidential stuff. Juicy stuff. Condemning stuff.
But, knowing stuff isn't knowledge. Knowledge is earned. Whether by training, experience, or education."Knowing stuff" in most cases are things we hear, see, or are told. It doesn't take effort, just a place in our brain to stuff the information into.
If I'm not discerning about what I put in my brain, this stuff can fill my mind with useless or hurtful data. And, if I'm not careful, the stuff I know bubbles up and out of my mouth--and not at the most appropriate times.
Over the years I've learned something very important, words can heal or they can harm. When we think we know something and feel compelled to expel this information, we are held accountable in one way or another.
When we spew words into the atmosphere--especially when we're angry--it can chip away at relationships. We need to know that even after the argument is over, those unnecessary words we spoke in anger may corrupt the reconciliation between us and others.
Discretion instructs us to always keep the end-goal in mind when in a disagreement. Restoration.
If we keep on topic, deal with the issues, a resolution is more easily achieved. But, if we misuse knowledge--truth or not--to build our case, it can actually undermine our credibility and erode trust. Which, as near as I can tell, is not very wise.
Guarding our heart and mind (Proverbs 4:23), means watching what goes in there.
Think about it: if gossip and rumors and hurtful information were monsters--if we could see them for what they are--we would never allow them near us. We'd run away from them, or take a baseball bat and come out swinging.
Today, I would rather just not know that bit of information about someone else. My heart doesn't want it and neither does my mind. While I won't come at you with a baseball bat, please, don't share that juicy bit of info with me.
Let's set a guard over our mouth, and keep watch over the door of our lips, my friends (Psalm 141:3).
May we pay attention to the words that harm and keep far from them, my friends.
Proverbs 5:1-2--My son, pay attention to my wisdom. Incline your ear to my insight, that you may maintain discretion and your lips may preserve knowledge.Tree of Life Bible Society, Tree of Life Version - TLV#tlvbible #tlvproverbs
[WATCH Tree of Life Bible Society's CEO, Daniah Greenberg and me, Terri Gillespie, Author dig a little deeper with this proverb. Check us out at Tree of Life Bible Society, Monday through Friday, LIVE at 8:30am EST. Watch previous episodes there as well. Stay wise, my friends!]
But, knowing stuff isn't knowledge. Knowledge is earned. Whether by training, experience, or education."Knowing stuff" in most cases are things we hear, see, or are told. It doesn't take effort, just a place in our brain to stuff the information into.
If I'm not discerning about what I put in my brain, this stuff can fill my mind with useless or hurtful data. And, if I'm not careful, the stuff I know bubbles up and out of my mouth--and not at the most appropriate times.
Over the years I've learned something very important, words can heal or they can harm. When we think we know something and feel compelled to expel this information, we are held accountable in one way or another.
When we spew words into the atmosphere--especially when we're angry--it can chip away at relationships. We need to know that even after the argument is over, those unnecessary words we spoke in anger may corrupt the reconciliation between us and others.
Discretion instructs us to always keep the end-goal in mind when in a disagreement. Restoration.
If we keep on topic, deal with the issues, a resolution is more easily achieved. But, if we misuse knowledge--truth or not--to build our case, it can actually undermine our credibility and erode trust. Which, as near as I can tell, is not very wise.
Guarding our heart and mind (Proverbs 4:23), means watching what goes in there.
Think about it: if gossip and rumors and hurtful information were monsters--if we could see them for what they are--we would never allow them near us. We'd run away from them, or take a baseball bat and come out swinging.
Today, I would rather just not know that bit of information about someone else. My heart doesn't want it and neither does my mind. While I won't come at you with a baseball bat, please, don't share that juicy bit of info with me.
Let's set a guard over our mouth, and keep watch over the door of our lips, my friends (Psalm 141:3).
May we pay attention to the words that harm and keep far from them, my friends.
Proverbs 5:1-2--My son, pay attention to my wisdom. Incline your ear to my insight, that you may maintain discretion and your lips may preserve knowledge.Tree of Life Bible Society, Tree of Life Version - TLV#tlvbible #tlvproverbs
[WATCH Tree of Life Bible Society's CEO, Daniah Greenberg and me, Terri Gillespie, Author dig a little deeper with this proverb. Check us out at Tree of Life Bible Society, Monday through Friday, LIVE at 8:30am EST. Watch previous episodes there as well. Stay wise, my friends!]
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