Paul, an older minister, is writing to Timothy, a younger minister, about those Christian habits he wants Timothy to build into his life. This is a part of discipleship: the process of becoming a deeply committed Christ follower. It is obvious from his writings that Paul cared much for Timothy and wanted him to rise to his full potential in Christ.
Paul wanted Timothy to continue in what he is learning about Jesus from his mentor Paul but also to remember his background. He says you can trust the legacy right back to when you were a baby because you have been faithfully taught by your mother Lois and grandmother Eunice (II Timothy 1:5). Paul says what Timothy is learning is able to make him wise (sophizo: to have understanding) regarding his relationship with Jesus. Wisdom is the correct application of knowledge.
All Scripture from both testaments is from the mind of God, useful for teaching, proving what is right, correcting what is wrong, the whole training and education of the mind, morals, care of the body, and cultivation of the soul. Think about this: When and from whom did you first learn about Jesus? Is your source trustworthy, and how do you know?
Knowledge is having the right idea about what to do, while wisdom is having the right idea about how to do it. In other words, wisdom is the right application of knowledge. Many people know things, but wise people are far less common; they understand how to rightly apply that knowledge. What do you need to do to move from knowledge to wisdom?
If Scripture has the comprehensive abilities that verses 16-17 say it does, then in which of these areas could Scripture be most helpful to you right now?
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