Knowledge and understanding

Isaiah 11:1-9
Numbers 16:20-35
Acts 28:23-31

We're back to the trouble with pride in these passages, even though the word doesn't appear anywhere in any of them. It's there, though, right under the surface. Korah and his followers though he knew better than God. The Jews in Rome met with Paul and listened to what he had to say from morning until night, yet thought they knew better. Our knowledge is faulty. On our own, we will often come to the wrong conclusions.

So how do we know the truth?

Paul quotes Isaiah who tell us. We turn to God. God brings understanding. Without this understanding, we see things in a skewed way. We get things wrong. We hold on too tight to wrong conclusions. We become set in our ways, thinking that we have all the answers.

Do not be swallowed up by your own conclusions as to how God and God's world works. Be open to what God is trying to tell you. Be humble in your convictions. Study God's word, and if you lack wisdom, ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach. (James 1:6)

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