Wednesday, December 6, 2023  

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Today’s Hymn

O come, thou Wisdom from on high,
who orderest all things mightily:
to us the path of knowledge show;
and teach us in her ways to go.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

 

“O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”
(tune: Veni Emmanuel)
from Glory to God: The Presbyterian Hymnal

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Reflection

Jesus is omniscient. He knows literally everything. But the composer chose “Wisdom” as the reference to Jesus, not “omniscient” and not “knowledge.” Why? What’s the difference?

I like to think of wisdom as being more sophisticated and complex, the application of knowledge, whereas knowledge is more about facts and figures — things like state capitals and mathematic equations. Other, smarter, people explain that knowledge is the acquaintance with facts, truths, or principles, as from study or investigation, whereas wisdom starts with knowledge and then layers on perspective and judgment. Knowledge is a necessary, but not sufficient condition, for wisdom.

One of the most remarkable things about Jesus is his ability to use impeccable judgment and perspective. Consider Jesus’ response to the Pharisees’ attempt to trick him into speaking against the law about working on the sabbath. Jesus knew working on the sabbath was unlawful, but he used his wisdom to apply that knowledge to the situation and make it clear that doing good work on the sabbath was lawful (i.e., saving a sheep who had fallen into a pit).

It seems clear that being wise is better than being knowledgeable, so I found myself wondering why the composer asked to be shown the path to “knowledge” instead of the path to “wisdom.” And then I realized it was a better use of my time, especially during Advent, to consider which paths I need to be shown.

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Prayer
Wisdom from on High, as I eagerly await your coming, show me the path you have planned for me and give me the guidance, courage, strength, and patience I need to follow it. Amen.

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Written by Nicole Spirgen, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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