I saw a meme that said, “Remember before the internet when we thought lack of knowledge was the problem?” The internet had provided limitless knowledge at people’s fingertips, and now add in AI. However, wisdom is different than knowledge. Wisdom tells us how to use knowledge . One of the things that the internet has done is it has stopped the practice of younger generations from going to older generations to seek wisdom. It has put the value on knowledge over wisdom. 1 Corinthians 8:1 says that knowledge puffs up, meaning it is a doorway to pride. Throughout the Bible God rejects prideful hearts because they act on knowledge instead of faith in Him.
In Genesis 11, we read the story of the Tower of Babel. The population was growing and spreading eastward until they came to a plain. Then they said, “Come, let’s begin work to build ourselves a city with a lofty tower that rises into the heavens. We’ll make a name for ourselves, a monument to us, instead of being scattered all over the earth” (TPT). This tower wasn’t just about architecture. It was a symbol of their pride to stop following the mandate to multiply and fill the earth. Instead of serving God, they served themselves to make their name great in the earth. God saw the trajectory of their hearts and put a stop to it.
In Psalm 131:1 we read an humble statement from David in a prayer. He said, “Lord, my heart is meek before you. I don’t consider myself better than others. I’m content to not pursue matters that are over my head— such as your complex mysteries and wonders— that I’m not yet ready to understand.” I believe David’s humility is why God chose him to be king. He understood there are things beyond his knowledge and ability to grasp. His humility caused him to rely on God instead of his own knowledge. Where the builders of Babel lifted their eyes high, David bowed low. Where in your life are you trusting in knowledge over trust in God’s plan? Where are you using knowledge as an excuse to serve yourself instead of God. Let your heart be meek before God. Let him handle the things beyond your ability and knowledge as your faith and trust guides you along His mandate for your life.
Photo by Alaeddin Hallak on Unsplash
Devotions by Chris Hendrix 