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“For the LORD gives wisdom and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding” (Proverbs 2:6).

Wisdom goes well beyond just amassing head knowledge. It is applying what you know with godly sense and wise judgment. Intelligent or experienced people are not necessarily wise. Wisdom comes from allowing what God teaches to lead and guide us. The Bible is the source of wisdom and knowledge that best serve as the light to show us the way ahead, especially in sharing the good news about Jesus Christ.

The Apostle Paul in Acts 17 handled a challenging situation during his ministry in Athens, Greece. He found himself among Greek scholars and philosophers who were idol worshippers, always eager listeners to fresh news. Paul was well trained to speak to these people having been schooled under the Jewish Rabbi
Gamaliel. He had spent much time studying and reasoning through the Jewish Scriptures. But he knew his knowledge was insufficient to carry him through in presenting the good news to the Greeks. How did he manage the challenge? He did not dwell on the topic he knew best, which was Jewish history, as this will certainly throw his lecture off course with the Aeropagus audience. He had discovered a significant altar inscription “TO AN UNKNOWN GOD” in Athens and used this to establish common ground with the listeners. It was his God-given point of entry for his message about the one true God who is Jesus Christ. When he finished, he got the Greeks interested enough in wanting to listen further. He got some converted but there was always a fair share of those who sneered.

Paul’s approach in his message is a good example of applying wisdom and knowledge. When we communicate the good news, we use examples to establish a common ground and then move people to a decision about Jesus Christ at the proper time. Being observant and aware of the circumstances surrounding us can certainly help negate any possible negative reaction. But don’t expect a unanimous and positive response to your witnessing. Wisdom and Knowledge are like inseparable twins sharing one heart – use them separately and it becomes ineffective. We must always seek God’s wisdom to complement our knowledge.