Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that “We all
possess knowledge.” But knowledge puffs up while love builds up (1 Corinthians 8:1; NIV).
It’s good
to think about the difference between wisdom and knowledge. Knowledge, pure intelligence,
is a fine trait, but Paul say it “puffs us up.” That was my experience. When I
was younger, I valued having the right answer and having it faster than anyone
else. I enjoyed the debate and I enjoyed winning the debate. Knowledge breeds a
certain arrogance.
On the
other hand, wisdom is knowledge tempered by experience. Wisdom recognizes that
you can win the debate but lose the relationship, and it has recognizes the
value of preserving the relationship. Wisdom understands when having the right
answer is less important than being the right person. Wisdom recognizes that growth
comes from asking probing, deep questions, not from having easy answers. A
smart guy is a chore to live with; a wise man is a pleasure.
There is
value in intelligence, and I’ve always appreciated that quality in others. But
intelligence that has been tempered into wisdom that is a precious gift indeed!
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