What does "wisdom, knowledge, and skill" imply about God's gifts to us? The Word Under Discussion “For a man may labor with wisdom, knowledge, and skill, and when he must leave his wealth to someone who has not worked for it, this too is futile and a great evil.” — Ecclesiastes 2:21 Threefold Gift Defined • Wisdom — the God-given ability to see life from His perspective and choose rightly (Proverbs 2:6). • Knowledge — insight into facts, principles, and truth (Daniel 1:17). • Skill — the practical craftsmanship to apply wisdom and knowledge effectively (Exodus 31:3). Implication #1: All Three Originate in God • Ecclesiastes presents them as endowments, not self-generated assets. • James 1:5 affirms that wisdom is “given by God who gives generously.” • 1 Corinthians 4:7 reminds us that everything we possess is received, not earned independently. Implication #2: Designed for Stewardship, Not Self-Exaltation • Gifts are tools to serve God’s purposes and bless others (1 Peter 4:10-11). • They are to be invested, not hoarded; Ecclesiastes 2:21 warns that accumulation alone ends in futility. Implication #3: Distributed Uniquely to Each Person • God gives differing measures and combinations (Romans 12:6). • This diversity fosters mutual dependence within the body of Christ. Implication #4: Accompanied by Accountability • Because the gifts are God’s, He has the right to evaluate their use (Matthew 25:14-30). • The seeming injustice of leaving wealth to another (Ecclesiastes 2:21) underscores that earthly outcomes do not override eternal review. Implication #5: Insufficient as Ultimate Meaning • Ecclesiastes shows that even perfect deployment of wisdom, knowledge, and skill cannot secure lasting satisfaction apart from God Himself (Ecclesiastes 2:26). • They become life-giving only when received gratefully and exercised under God’s lordship. Living It Out • Ask—regularly request fresh wisdom (James 1:5). • Acknowledge—thank God for every insight, diploma, or talent you hold. • Apply—translate knowledge into godly action; let skill serve love, not ego. • Align—keep eternal values in view so your labor is “not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58). |
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