The Three Sisters ~ Knowledge

"The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge." 

(Proverbs 18:15)

     Here, we have come to the third of the three sisters, knowledge. Reaching beyond mere intellectual "smartness", this knowledge is that which carves our habits, shapes our character, and determines our destiny. Rooted in wisdom and guided by understanding, it is the finishing element by which structures--both physical and relational--are built, established, and enriched. Without it, homes are destroyed, communities are disintegrated, and nations fall; for life becomes bleak, and the future meets us unprepared. 

So...what's knowledge?

 Knowledge ~ An educated perception of truth  

"A clear and certain perception of that which exists or of truth and fact." ~ Webster 1828

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction." (Proverbs 1:7)

   

    Yes, this definition may seem more brief or concise than those of wisdom and understanding, however, such is knowledge--simply knowing the truth and what to do with it. It goes hand in hand with wisdom; it is the educated perception of the needs around, and is the tool with which one is equipped in order to successfully and adequately meet them. Wisdom is the right execution of knowledge. 

     Notice, the fear of the Lord is the root of knowledge, just as it is with wisdom and understanding. Without the fear of the Lord we will be unable have an accurate knowledge and understanding of what is true. Truth is not just philosophical, intellectual, or theological opinions; truth, in the frank sense of the word, is the reality of the way things are. Perhaps, we may discuss truth in a later post, but search the truth out for yourself--not just opinions, but the real, genuine truth (John 14:6).

~ The Value of Knowledge ~

"There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel." 

(Proverbs 20:15)

     Along with the gems, wisdom and understanding, that exceed the price of rubies, knowledge is as the sparkling jewels that provide added adornment within the crown of a virtuous woman. By knowledge, the virtuous woman could seek wool and flax, bring her food from afar, give good meat to her household, invest in vineyards, gird her loins with strength, have the ability to perceive the status of her merchandise, lay her hand to the spindle, and adequately reach out to the needs of her community. And, because of knowledge, she was not afraid when times got bad or circumstances became difficult; for she had the knowledge of how to make ends meet while still providing a haven for those she loved--even if it took some hard work and creativity. 

     Knowledge is the gate which opens the way for wisdom to work, and understanding is the pavement which makes the path smoother. Knowledge, through wisdom, turns a house into a home; and knowledge, by understanding, takes a surviving relationship and makes it thrive. Surrounding the precious gems of wisdom and understanding, knowledge is the adornment which brings practicality and makes life sparkle.

~ What Does it Take to Get Knowledge? ~

"A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth." (Proverbs 14:6)

    Proverbs 2:1-7 says, "My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly." 

     Getting knowledge takes earnest effort. It requires applying yourself to learn. No one can force knowledge upon you, though they can impart information; but you must open your heart to learn if knowledge will benefit your life. And the best place to learn it is from those who have it.  

~ Knowledge Applied ~

"I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions." 

(Proverbs 8:12)

     Speaking practically now, knowledge enables one to find witty alternatives and ways to, not only accomplish difficult tasks, but, also, make simple tasks exciting. With the use of knowledge, a virtuous woman can creatively bring cheer to a dreary abode, make a humble dwelling a palace for the heart, and, by her loving disposition bring health and healing to the worn and weary. 

"Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established: And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches." 

(Proverbs 24:3-4)

     By knowledge, a virtuous woman will know how to fill her home with that which will beautify the simple, satisfy the hungry, comfort the weary, encourage lonely hearts, and enrich lives. By knowledge, she uses the skills and abilities she has learned and developed for the inspiration and edification of those the Lord brings through the doors of her life.   

"For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence:but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it."
(Ecclesiastes 7:12)

     Many can bring in a living, and many can display their confidence through great wealth and riches, but a woman who has the knowledge of wisdom in how to live will find a life worth far more than the abundance of gold and silver.  

~ The Necessity ~

"And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, 

and strength of salvation: the fear of the Lord is his treasure." 

(Isaiah 33:6)

     In our day in time, virtuous women of wisdom and knowledge are critically needed! Knowledge, as passed down from godly women of the past, is slipping quickly from our hold. At the rate the world is going, we are seeing more and more "silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, ever learning, and never able to come to a knowledge of the truth." (2 Timothy 3:6b-7)  Ladies, sisters, co-laborers, may we encourage you to strive for knowledge--not just any knowledge, but the knowledge of God which will enable us to wisely live the lives God has given to us. May it never be said of us, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge." (Hosea 4:6)

"And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God."

 (Philippians 1:9-11)