Wisdom, Knowledge, and Understanding
There are some gifts of the spirit that cannot function well without other essential gifts being used in harmony with them. This is the case with wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. When all three are exercised together, the best result possible is produced.
When the gifts of wisdom and knowledge are reviewed in the biblical record they are seldom found mentioned together in one text, but almost always are discussed individually. Nevertheless, they are interdependent. Although the attribute of understanding is not one of the spiritual gifts Paul mentions, it is one of the intellectual attributes that the Creator gave to individuals and that the Father also gives to his elect. Therefore, an analysis of wisdom, knowledge, and understanding cannot be made individually, but must be made predicated on their interrelationship.
As with many other gifts of the spirit, the attributes of wisdom, knowledge, and understanding are not gender specific, these are attributes that each of the elect need and can have to one degree or another, depending on a person's functions and responsibilities within the Father's family.
A depth of knowledge and understanding about what is in the biblical record gives a person the information necessary to practice a righteous life, and give intelligent understandable answers to people about the Father, our Savior, and the plan of salvation. But, knowledge and understanding do not impart wisdom, wisdom is the ability to make correct decisions and give correct answers predicated on the knowledge and understanding a person has.
Wisdom, knowledge, and understanding are all necessary to produce something of value for our heavenly Father and our Savior and to help us practice a righteous life, benefit our brothers and sisters in the faith and other people, and to perform the collective work of the church.
Wisdom is mentioned over 225 times in the biblical record. Sometimes wisdom is interconnected with knowledge and sometimes with understanding. But, each time wisdom is mentioned, the thought is that wisdom is exceptionally valuable and should be desired by those seeking to practice a righteous life.
Spirit of Wisdom
Throughout the biblical record, we see many individuals given abilities beyond that which is mentally or physically possible for humans to acquire through their own effort. And so it is with the wisdom, knowledge, and understanding the Father gives to his elect to help them perform their functions and responsibilities as members of his earthly family.
In the Book of Exodus is the following account of individuals being given the spirit of wisdom in order for them to make holy garments for the priesthood:
"And you take Aaron your brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister to me in the priest's office, even Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron's sons. And you shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother for glory and for beauty. And you shall speak to all that are wise hearted, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they may make Aaron's garments to consecrate him, that he may minister to me in the priest's office" (Ex.28:1-3 KJV Para.).
The English words wise and wisdom in verse 3 are translated from the Hebrew words chakam and chokmah, which respectively mean intelligent, skillful or artful and wisdom (in a good sense).
Individuals who were already skilled or talented in a craft had their natural abilities supernaturally enhanced in order for them to produce the clothing and other articles to be worn by the high priest and others of the priesthood (Ex.28:4-43). Exodus, chapters 31 through 36 mentions many individuals who had their abilities enhanced so they could make items for the tabernacle.
According to the writer to the Hebrews, the priesthood and the tabernacle were symbolic representations of things in heaven (Heb. 8:1-5). Because everything associated with the priesthood and the tabernacle must be made as accurately as possible, there was a need for exceptionally skilled artisans and craftsmen.
It is evident from the many accounts of individuals being given various abilities that, when God wants something performed in a specific way, he will choose individuals who already have some ability, talent, or potential to do what he wants done and either enhance what they already have or give them the ability, then communicate to these individuals what he wants them to do.
Wisdom and Intelligence
When the Creator God asked Solomon what he wanted from him, Solomon replied that he wanted wisdom and intelligence to rule Israel. Recorded for our benefit are many of the things Solomon wrote which show the interrelationship between wisdom, knowledge, and intelligence and that God is more than willing to give these attributes and abilities to those who request them and diligently seek them:
"And Solomon went to the brass altar before the Lord, which was at the tabernacle of the congregation, and offered a thousand burnt offerings on it. That night God appeared to Solomon, and said to him, Ask what I shall give you. And Solomon said to God, You have shown great mercy to David my father, and have made me to reign in his stead. Now, O Lord God, let your promise to David my father be established: for you have made me king over a people like the dust of the earth in multitude. Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people: for who can judge this your people, that are so great?" (2.Chron.1:6-10 KJV Para.).
The English word knowledge in verse 10 is translated from the Hebrew word madda, which means intelligence and awareness. In the context of verses 10 through 12, both of these gifts work together, which allowed Solomon to not only know something but also perceive how to use what he knows.
Solomon was well aware of what was required to govern the nation of Israel and he understood that he needed tremendous wisdom and intellect in order to rule as his father did.
"And God said to Solomon, Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked riches, wealth, or honor, nor the life of your enemies, neither yet have asked long life; but have asked wisdom and intelligence for yourself, that you may judge my people, over whom I have made you king: Wisdom and intelligence is granted to you; and I will give you riches, and wealth, and honor, such as none of the kings have had that have been before you, neither shall there any after you have the like" (2.Chron.1:11-12 KJV Para.).
The Creator was extremely pleased with Solomon because he did not ask for material things; but he asked for wisdom and the intelligence with which to make correct decisions. No human, except Christ, has had or will ever have the same amount of wisdom and intelligence Solomon was given.
This account also tells us that a person must have both wisdom and intellect in order to have the ability to make correct decisions.
"God gave Solomon great wisdom and understanding, and a mind with broad interests. In fact, his wisdom excelled that of any of the wise men of the East, including those in Egypt. He was wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite and Heman, Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol, and he was famous among all the surrounding nations. He was the author of 3,000 proverbs and wrote 1,005 songs. He was a great naturalist, with interest in animals, birds, snakes, fish, and trees-from the great cedars of Lebanon down to the tiny hyssop which grows in cracks in the wall. And kings from many lands sent their ambassadors to him for his advice" (1.Kgs.4:29-34 TLB).
In verse 29, the English word understanding is translated from the Hebrew word tabuwn, which means intelligence.
Although Solomon's wisdom and intellect were supernaturally enhanced, he still had to choose to make correct decisions, which he failed to do in his old age. Being extremely wise, knowledgeable, and intelligent is no guarantee a person will make wise decisions. Many such individuals choose to make foolish decisions and do foolish things.
The following are some of what Solomon wrote about wisdom, the need to have a keen understanding about what is known, and the acquiring of wisdom, knowledge, and understanding:
"My son, if you will receive my words, and hide my commandments with you; So that you incline your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding. Yes, if you cry after knowledge, and lift up your voice for understanding" (Prov.2:1-3 KJV Para.).
Verse 3 tells us that we should seek knowledge and the ability to understand what we come to know. Knowledge and understanding are very different things; many people have an academic knowledge of the Bible, but do not understand its many physical and spiritual concepts, laws, precepts, and principles.
"If you seek her [i.e., wisdom and knowledge] as silver, and search for her as for hid treasures; Then shall you understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God" (Prov.2:4-5 KJV Para.).
The English word understand in verse 4 is translated from the Hebrew word biyn, which means to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) to understand.
"For the Lord gives wisdom: out of his mouth comes knowledge and understanding" (Prov.2:6 KJV Para.).
The English word knowledge in verse 6 is translated from the Hebrew word da' ath, which means to know.
"He [i.e.,God] lays up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a protector to them that walk uprightly. He keeps the paths of judgment, and preserves the way of his saints. Then shall you understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yes, every good path" (Prov.2:7-9 KJV Para.).
Solomon understood that God is all wise, has all knowledge and understanding, and will give it to his holy ones in order for them to live a righteous life and receive its benefits.
"When wisdom enters into your heart, and knowledge is pleasant to your soul. Discretion [i.e., prudent planing] will protect you, and understanding will guard. To deliver you from the way of evil, from the man that speaks perversity" (Prov.2:10-12 KJV Para.).
The essence of verses 10, 11, and 12 is that a righteous person finds pleasure in making wise decisions predicated on knowledge and understanding derived from God's truth. But, why is this? The reason is that a righteous person knows that they are pleasing God with their life. A person who plans their life around the knowledge and understanding of God's laws, precepts, and principles builds a protective barrier against the evil influence of wicked individuals and evil spirits.
"Happy is the one that finds wisdom, and the one that gets understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. It is more precious than rubies: and all the things you can desire are not to be compared to it. Length of days is in its right hand; and in its left hand riches and honor. Its ways are ways of pleasantness, and all its paths are peace, it is a tree of life to them that lay hold on it: and happy is every one that retains it" (Prov.3:13-18 KJV Para.).
Truly, the person that has godly wisdom and understanding is happy, because that person knows the result of having both of these attributes.
"The Lord by wisdom has founded the earth; by understanding has he established the heavens. By his knowledge the depths divided, and the clouds dropped dew" (Prov.3:19-20 KJV Para.).
How wise was God when he formed this physical existence? What kind of wisdom, knowledge, and understanding did it take to ensure that everything in it was in dynamic balance in order to produce a continuous self-regulating environment with billions of symbiotic relationships?
"Get wisdom, get understanding: do not forget it; neither turn away from the words of my mouth. Do not forsake it, and it will preserve you: love it, and it will keep you. Wisdom is first; therefore get wisdom: and with all your getting get understanding. Exalt it, and it will promote you: it shall bring to you honor, when you do embrace it" (Prov.4:5-8 KJV Para.) See also Prov.8:11-12; Job 28:12-18.
The decisions we make in this life will determine whether or not we will become an immortal spirit being. Additionally, these decisions will determine our rewards and positions of rulership in our heavenly Father's kingdom. Because this is true, we must do our best to make wise decisions predicated on our knowledge and understanding of our Father's laws, precepts, and principles, and his purpose for calling us to salvation during this age.
The prophet Daniel recorded the following promise to the elect for being wise:
"And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever" (Dan.12:3 KJV).
The Gospel Age
The following are several things Christ said that tell us each one of us should be seeking the gifts of wisdom, knowledge, and understanding in order to fulfill our heavenly Father's purpose for granting us the opportunity for salvation during this gospel age:
"And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, All power is given to me in heaven and in earth. You go and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy spirit: Teaching them to observe all things whatever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the world. Be it so" (Matt.28:18-20 KJV Para.).
Much of the task given to the elect is a function and responsibility of the ministry, but much is to be shared by all of the elect in a team effort. Especially the task of teaching the Father's newly adopted children how to live a righteous life. Those who have diligently been living righteously for many years should have reached a level of spiritual maturity to teach the practice of a righteous life by word and example, which requires exercising wisdom, knowledge, and understanding.
While speaking of the events that will happen before his return, Christ made the following promise to the elect who are persecuted for living righteously, being a witness of his authority over human affairs, and performing their personal and collective functions and responsibilities:
"But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake. And it shall turn to you for a testimony. Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what you shall answer: For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist" (Lk.21:12-15 KJV).
Any of the elect who find themselves in these situations are promised that they will not have to devise clever answers to give to their persecutors, because they will be given the wisdom to say the things that are impossible to refute. Logically, these individuals must already know and understand foundational aspects of God's truth to draw upon when they are given this wisdom.
Paul and Wisdom
The apostle Paul wrote the following to the elect at Corinth about human wisdom and the Father's gift of wisdom which is above and beyond the ability of those without the holy spirit to acquire:
"And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God" (1.Cor.2:1-5 NKJV).
The English word power in verse 5 is translated from the Greek word dunamis, which means force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself). It is through the Father's spirit-power that we are given wisdom above and beyond that of normal humans.
Paul's message was salvation through Christ's sacrifice. Additionally, he demonstrated his authority to proclaim this message through supernatural abilities given to him by the Father.
"However we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden, which God ordained before the world to our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory" (1.Cor.2:6-8 KJV Para.).
The wisdom Paul wrote of is wisdom hidden from the world along with the knowledge and understanding which can only be obtained from God the Father as a gift. This is the wisdom that Paul, other apostles, prophets, teachers, evangelists, elders, and many other individuals of the early church possessed in order to carry out their functions and responsibilities.
"But as it is written, Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither has entered into the heart of man, the things that God has prepared for them that love him. But God has revealed them to us by his spirit: for the spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. For what man knows the things of a man, but the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knows no man, but the spirit of God. Now we have not received the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us by God" (1.Cor.2:9-12 KJV Para.).
Paul emphasizes that knowledge pertaining to the spirit realm and to God the Father is freely given by him to his earthly children.
"Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teaches, but which the spirit teaches; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural person does not receive the things of the spirit of God: for they are foolishness to them neither can they know them, because they are spiritually discerned" (1.Cor.2:13-14 KJV Para.).
A person without the indwelling of the holy spirit only has access to human wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. But, each of the elect have access to spiritual wisdom, knowledge, and understanding, which is a normal function of the indwelling of the holy spirit. However, the Father determines who has a need for a higher order of these attributes above and beyond that which is a normal function of the holy spirit.
"Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same spirit. And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons. But to each one is given the manifestation of the spirit for the common good. For to one is given the word of wisdom through the spirit, and to another the word of knowledge according to the same spirit" (1.Cor.12:4-8 NASU).
The type of wisdom and knowledge mentioned in verse 8 is not human; it is a supernatural ability to be intrinsically wise and to have certain physical and spiritual knowledge, which is given to specific individuals for a specific purpose on a case by case basis.
The Elect at Ephesus
To the elect at Ephesus, Paul mentions the following three supernatural abilities he has asked the Father to give them:
"Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love to all the saints, cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints" (Eph.1:15-18 KJV).
In verse 17, the English word revelation is translated from the Greek word apokalupsis, which means disclosure. Knowledge is translated from the Greek word epignosis, which in the context of verse 17 means total discernment.
Paul wants the elect at Ephesus to have revealed to them the things about their heavenly Father that are kept secret from the unrighteous, so they can have confidence in the Father's promises to them. This tells us that the elect at Ephesus did not have a teacher within their congregation with the gifts of wisdom, knowledge, and insight above and beyond that which is available to each of the elect through a diligent and prayerful study of the biblical record and meditation on what one finds there.
To the Colossians
After his introductory comments to the elect at Colossi, we again see the need for the gifts of knowledge, wisdom, and understanding above and beyond what is normally available to each of the elect. Perhaps this was necessary in order for them to progress beyond their current level of spiritual growth and to have the tools to help them fulfill the purpose for their calling in a greater way:
"For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that you might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That you might walk worthy of the Lord to all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God" (Col.1:9-10 KJV). See also 2.Tim.2:1-7.
The English word understanding in verse 9 is translated from the Greek word sunesis, which means intelligence or (concretely) the intellect.
Paul and others with him are beseeching the Father to bestow on these elect a spiritual attribute. The use of the word sunesis shows that this type of intelligence is above and beyond a normal humans ability to acquire. Verse 9 shows another gift from the Father, which gives a person the supernatural ability to acquire and apply knowledge and skills.
Grace, Peace, and Knowledge
At the beginning and at the end of the apostle Peter's second letter, he gives instructions regarding knowledge. Both of these instructions have to do with the gift of knowledge, its increase, and its importance to our relationship with our Father and our Savior. There are several fundamental principles in what Peter wrote in the beginning and ending of his letter that are extremely important to becoming more spiritually mature and godly in character.
In order to understand what Peter wrote about grace, peace, and the knowledge of the Father and Christ, it is necessary to examine the meanings of several Greek words used in both texts:
"Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God [God the Father] and our Savior Jesus Christ: Grace and peace be multiplied to you through the knowledge of God [God the Father], and of Jesus our Lord, in the manner his divine power has bestowed to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that called us to glory and virtue" (2.Pet. 1:1-3 KJV Para.). See also verses 4-10.
Grace
The English word grace in verse 2 is translated from the Greek word charis, which can mean that which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness, grace of speech, good-will, loving-kind-ness, favor, and what is due to grace. Charis can also mean the spiritual condition of one governed by the power of divine influence, divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in one's life, and a token or a proof of grace.
Regardless of the nuance, charis (i.e., grace) bestowed on us has its origin with our heavenly Father and results in a divine influence on our heart, and its reflection in our life. See 2.Jn.3; Rom.1:7-9; 1.Cor.1:3.
Peace
The English word peace in verse 2 is translated from the Greek word eirene. One of the nuances of the word eirene is that it can mean a state or time of peace in a relationship between several individuals. This seems to be the peace to which Peter refers. It is this peace (i.e., a peaceful relationship) each of us must have with our heavenly Father and our Savior in order to fulfill the purpose for our existence.
Multiplied
The English word multiplied in verse 2 is translated from the Greek word plethuno, which means to multiply.
Knowledge
The English word knowledge is translated from the Greek word epignosis, which in the context of verses 2 and 3 means total discernment.
A key to understanding how the spiritual attributes of grace (i.e., the Father's divine influence on our heart, and its reflection in our life) and peace (i.e., a peaceful relationship with the Father and Christ) are multiplied to us (i.e., intensified in us) is to understand that this can only be accomplished through truly knowing our heavenly Father and our Savior, which is vital to our spiritual growth in order to become more like them.
Peter advises us to grow in the godly characteristics he mentions, but how do we gain this type of knowledge other than studying the biblical record? Peter answers this question in verse 3:
"In the manner his divine power has bestowed to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that called us to glory and virtue" (2.Pet.1:3 KJV Para.).
It is through the power of the Father's holy spirit that he bestows all of his spiritual gifts. Each of us has access to our heavenly Father through our high priest Jesus Christ in order to ask our Father to increase the gifts he has already given us and to ask him to give us more spiritual abilities, attributes, or authorizations.
At the end of his letter, Peter encouragers the elect to grow in grace (i.e., the Father's divine influence on our heart, and its reflection in our life) and to truly know our Savior:
"You therefore, beloved, seeing you knew these things before, beware lest you also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness. But grow in the grace [charis], and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. (2.Pet.3:17-18 KJV).
In verse 18 the English word grow is translated from the Greek word auzano, which means to increase. The English word knowledge is translated from the Greek word gnosis, which means to know or knowledge.
In order to truly increase the attributes of grace (i.e., the Father's divine influence on our heart, and its reflection in our life) and to know more about our Savior, we must ask the Father to increase the degree of the gift of knowledge he has already given us (1.Jn.5:19-20) and follow through with diligent and prayerful study of the biblical record and meditation on what we find there.
Know the Father
In a conversation with the Pharisees, Jesus said, "You neither know me, nor my Father: if you had known me, you should have also known my Father" (Jn.8:19). And in a conversation with his disciples about his going back to his heavenly Father and his death and resurrection, Jesus explained to them that, if they had had an intimate knowledge of him, they would have known what the Father was like, because he was a reflection of his Father. See Jn.14:9-11.
It is through having an intimate knowledge and understanding of Christ's character and teachings that we are able to know what the Farther is like. Therefore, it seems logical that the apostle Peter used the word charis (i.e., grace) to indicate the increase of divine influence that should be reflected in our life in order for us to better know the Father and Christ. But, why is this important to growing in the attributes of grace, peace, and knowledge?
The increase of a godly attitude, behavior, and character in one's life is the result of allowing the Father and Christ through the holy spirit to influence one's life. It is also evident that in order to become more like our Father and our Savior, we must know and cultivate the Father's influence and presence in our life (i.e., his grace in our life); hence, Peter's instruction and warning.
An important point to note is that Peter says grace is to be increased through the knowledge of the Father and of Jesus our Lord (2.Pet.1:2). This is important because it reinforces the necessity for each of us to be a willing, dedicated, responsible, and teachable student of the Father's truth in order to learn and practice the attitude, behavior, and character of the Father and Christ.
The Prophet Hosea
The prophet Hosea recorded the following statement and prophecy by the Creator to ancient Israel about knowledge, which also applies to those called to salvation in this age:
"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because you have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you, that you shall be no priest to me: seeing you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your children" (Hos.4:6 KJV).
Many called to salvation in this age are destroyed because of a lack of knowledge about the Father, Christ, foundational biblical laws, precepts, and principles, evil spirits, the spirit realm, and what is expected as one of the elect. Clearly, the gifts of wisdom, knowledge, and understanding from the Father are just as important today as they were for members of the early church.
If Any Lack Wisdom
If we are to grow in or acquire any spiritual attribute or quality, we must know what it is, what it does, why it is needed, how it works, and how to use it. Growing in any spiritual attribute requires a sincere desire and effort. In order to grow toward spiritual maturity, a person must exercise faith that is belief by following the instructions given in the Bible concerning spiritual growth.
"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that gives to all liberally, and does not scold; and it shall be given them" (Jms.1:5 KJV Para.).
Just because a person has knowledge and understanding does not mean that person will make wise decisions. Making wise decisions is sometimes difficult; therefore, if we feel we need help in this area, we should ask our heavenly Father and claim his promise to give us help in time of need. See Matt.7:7-11; Heb.4:16; 1.Jn.5:14-15.
"But ask in faith, without hesitating. For he that hesitates is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. That person should not think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A man who vacillates is unstable in all his ways" (Jms.1:6-8 KJV Para.).
Our heavenly Father is more than willing to give us wisdom, knowledge, and understanding and to increase these when necessary; however, we must put forth the effort to study his word and meditate on what we find there. Additionally, we must ask him to increase our knowledge, understanding, and wisdom in order for us to serve him and fulfill the reason he has called us. Might, maybe, and perhaps are not words to use when asking the Father for something. Either we need or desire something from the Father or we do not.
Ask for These Abilities
Wisdom, Knowledge, and understanding, are extremely important to being equipped to fulfill our functions and responsibilities as one of the elect; therefore, we should ask our heavenly Father to give us these spiritual attributes and abilities for the following reasons:
We truly desire to correctly worship and serve our heavenly Father wholeheartedly.
We want to serve our brothers and sisters in a greater capacity.
We want insight into how to overcome our old nature and make wise decisions.
We want to answer people intelligently who question us about our Father's good news message and the way of life we practice.
Solomon asked for wisdom and the intellectual ability to govern Israel. How much more do we in this age need wisdom, knowledge, and understanding as we make every-day decisions in our practice of a righteous life and decisions about how to fulfill our personal and collective functions and responsibilities before Christ returns?
Although the holy spirit already imparts a degree of wisdom, knowledge, and understanding to us, if we want these to be increased, we must ask the Father and follow through with diligent and prayerful study of the biblical record and meditation on what we find there.
The apostles urging and instructing the elect of the early church about the gifts of wisdom, knowledge, and understanding tells us that we who have been called to salvation in this gospel age also need these spiritual attributes which are available from the Father to those who ask him for the right reasons.
No person is given perfect wisdom, knowledge, and understanding the instant they receive the holy spirit. A review of the apostle's letters to the churches shows that the acquisition of spiritual wisdom, knowledge, and understanding is through communicating with the Father, asking for what is needed, and studying and meditating on what is written for us in the biblical record.
By B.L. Cocherell b14w5