May 23, 2013
PART 1
Knowledge the fourth of the Sevenfold Gifts, St. Bonaventure
Fourth, grant us knowledge, by which we can distinguish what is good from what is wicked.
Scripture: Proverbs 22:3
The clever see danger and hide; but the simple go on, and suffer for it.
Thought for the Day: The Hebrew word for see is Ra’ah. Though my Hebrew depends on the knowledge of others, it appears that the word could be translated as inspect or gaze at for a period of time. It is good to have the knowledge of scholars from which to draw, but I’m fascinated how ‘the clever’ or the prudent, are those who are willing to take the time to see, understand, and then truly perceive. How often have we made a quick glance at something or someone, and from that initial and incomplete observation, walked away with something other than the truth? Knowledge comes from careful analysis, and when the needed time is taken, people are able to avoid the problems into which others would fall. I’ve seen it recently on Facebook where people have been quick to repost something that attacked a politician or political belief they disliked. In their excitement, they shared half-truths at best, and though they might defend their repost with some ridiculous justification, they have already fallen into the abyss of deceit…whether they knew it or not. It is better to to pause and seek knowledge before reacting. Caution is the wisdom associated with knowledge.
Prayer: Lord, provide me an explorer’s heart so I am willing to do the needed inspections and remain outside of the grasp of deceit. Amen.
