Wisdom is the correct application of knowledge. But the source of the knowledge matters and the guiding hand of that source on its application is paramount.
Anyone can amass great amounts of knowledge. People can spend their entire lives in any discipline, studying and memorizing. For that matter, anyone can study the bible, even memorize it word for word. But without faith and without the power of the holy spirit, it is just words and thought. There is no power in any of it.
Look at the wise men in Nebuchadnezzar’s court in Daniel 2:12 – all dead. Look at the wise men in Belshazzar’s court Daniel 5:8 – powerless and stumped. Look at the sons of Sceva in Acts 19:11-20 – left with nothing, not even underwear.
I think Paul sums it up the best in his letter to the church in Corinth:
1 Cor 1: 20-25
Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.
My Answers:
9.
a.
Why are you astonished? I will explain to you the mystery of the woman and of the beast she rides
b.
They have one purpose, to give their power and authority to the beast. They will wage war on Jesus, the Lamb (v 14)
c.
The Lamb will triumph over them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings
d.
v14. And with Him will be His called, chosen and faithful followers
10.
Beast: once was, now is not, yet will come up out of the Abyss and go to its destruction
God: him who is and who was and who is to come
11.
a.
Symbolism (7 heads are seven hills on which the woman sits). Discernment – From the spirit and from knowing the word of God
b.
Bible study, prayer, discussion, teaching, being obedient. Growing in holiness, no longer as deceived by the temptations of the world
The Notes are Good 