Compare Moses' preparation in Acts 7:22 with Proverbs 2:6 on wisdom's source. Setting the Scene “So Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in speech and action.” “For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” Observations on Moses’ Training • Raised in Pharaoh’s household, Moses received the finest education Egypt could offer—mathematics, astronomy, language, military strategy, leadership. • The verse emphasizes he became “powerful in speech and action,” hinting at both intellectual mastery and practical ability. • Egypt’s prestige could shape a brilliant statesman, but Scripture later shows God still needed to reshape Moses’ heart (Exodus 3–4). Wisdom’s Ultimate Source • Proverbs 2:6 clarifies that wisdom is not man-generated but God-given. • “From His mouth” points to revelation—truth spoken directly by God, ultimately preserved in Scripture (Psalm 119:105; 2 Timothy 3:16). • Genuine understanding is therefore a divine gift, unattainable by human effort alone. Bringing the Two Verses Together 1. Education versus Revelation – Acts 7:22: earthly schooling equipped Moses with tools. – Proverbs 2:6: heavenly wisdom supplies divine perspective. – Together they show that skill minus God’s insight is incomplete. 2. Preparation on Two Levels – External: Egypt polished Moses’ intellect and leadership. – Internal: God later met him at the burning bush, infusing divine purpose and wisdom for Israel’s deliverance (Exodus 3:5–10). 3. Dependency Shift – Moses tried to act on Egyptian training when he killed the Egyptian taskmaster (Exodus 2:11–12); it failed. – After forty desert years, he leaned on God’s wisdom, leading by faith rather than flesh (Numbers 12:7). Supporting Scriptures • Daniel 1:17—God gave knowledge and skill to Daniel and his friends, proving divine wisdom can accompany good education without contradiction. • James 1:5—“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God,” underscoring Proverbs 2:6 for every believer today. • Exodus 4:10–12—Despite Moses’ self-doubt, God promised, “I will help you speak and will teach you what to say,” spotlighting the LORD as ongoing instructor. Takeaways for Today • Value education, but measure it against the plumb line of God’s Word. • Seek the Lord first; pray for wisdom before acting on human expertise. • Expect God to blend natural abilities with supernatural guidance for His purposes. • Remember that true success is not merely skill in “speech and action” but obedience to the One who gives wisdom. |
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