Romans 11:33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! The true distinction between knowledge and wisdom is indicated by . "He foreknew these things from the beginning, and, having foreknown them, He arranged them wisely." Bishop Lightfoot says, "While gnosis is simply intuitive, sophia is ratiocinative also. While 'gnosis' applies chiefly to the apprehension of truths, 'sophia' superadds the power of reasoning about them and tracing their relations." To complete the distinction, we must add that, while knowledge is theoretical, wisdom is practical; and while knowledge is purely intellectual, wisdom is also moral; and for that reason is both the most perfect of mental gifts (, "Nic. Eth." 6:10) and the queen of all the virtues (, "De Off." 1:43). In the present context, "gnosis" seems to refer especially to God's foreknowledge of the free determinations of man's will, both in individuals and nations; while "sophia" denotes the admirable skill with which He includes man's free actions in His plan, and transforms them into so many means for the accomplishment of His good purpose. (Archdeacon Gifford.) Parallel Verses KJV: O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! |
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