The Lens Through Which We Read
Chapter Four: God Is Omniscient and Wise
He Knows What We Do Not
Some interpret the Bible as if God is figuring things out as He goes. Others read Scripture as though God’s knowledge is limited to the past and present, and that He, like us, must wait to see what happens next.
These assumptions aren’t just wrong. They undermine the authority of Scripture and rob God of His glory.
Because Scripture is clear: God knows everything—and He makes no mistakes.
What Does It Mean That God Is Omniscient and Wise?
To say that God is omniscient means:
He knows all things, past, present, and future (Isaiah 46:10)
He knows every human heart and thought (Psalm 139:1–4)
He never learns, forgets, or guesses
To say that God is wise means:
He always acts in the best possible way, for the best possible ends
His plans are perfect, even when they defy human logic
He governs the universe with flawless purpose and precision
“Oh the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past tracing out!” – Romans 11:33 (WEB)
Why This Matters for Interpretation
When we forget God’s omniscience and wisdom, we begin to:
Question the fairness or clarity of Scripture
Assume we know better than God in matters of morality, justice, or timing
Interpret difficult passages through the lens of our own limited understanding
But Scripture does not apologize for the unfathomable wisdom of God. It calls us to trust it.
Interpretive Errors That Arise When We Forget This
1. Judging God’s Actions as Unfair
Some read texts like God’s destruction of the Canaanites or His hardening of Pharaoh and respond with: “That doesn’t seem right.”
But what we perceive as troubling is often a result of:
Our limited perspective
Our fallen assumptions about fairness
Our forgetfulness of God's holiness and purposes
Omniscience reminds us: God sees the whole story. We do not.
2. Treating Prophecy as Conditional or Accidental
Some misinterpret fulfilled prophecy as coincidence or symbolic generality.
But God declares:
“I am God… declaring the end from the beginning… saying, ‘My counsel will stand, and I will do all my pleasure.’” – Isaiah 46:9–10
God does not predict—He ordains. He is never surprised, and Scripture’s prophetic reliability depends entirely on His omniscience.
3. Redefining the Gospel to Fit Human Reasoning
Some interpret election, atonement, or divine justice in ways that feel “more fair” or “more logical.”
But often, we attempt to explain away mystery that we were meant to submit to in worship.
God’s wisdom exceeds ours. Our task is not to tame it—but to trust it.
Examples Where God's Omniscience and Wisdom Shape Interpretation
Job 38–42
God confronts Job—not with an explanation, but with a revelation:
“Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?”
The answer to Job’s suffering was not more knowledge—but more trust in the One who knows all things.
Romans 9–11
Paul anticipates objections to God’s sovereign choice and responds with:
“Who are you, O man, to answer back to God?”
Instead of softening the mystery, he anchors it in God's mercy, wisdom, and eternal plan.
Acts 15 – The Council at Jerusalem
Faced with competing interpretations and pastoral challenges, the apostles affirm:
“Known to God are all His works from eternity.” (Acts 15:18)
This becomes the ground of theological clarity—God already knows His plan.
How This Affects the Reader’s Heart
Acknowledging God’s omniscience and wisdom means:
You will encounter things you cannot fully explain
You will be challenged to trust when you don’t understand
You will learn to worship in the face of mystery, rather than reduce God to something manageable
This posture is essential to faithful interpretation.
“Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding.” – Proverbs 3:5
Conclusion: Let God's Knowledge Humble Yours
The Word of God comes from a mind infinitely greater than our own. And that’s why it carries authority, weight, and life.
When we interpret Scripture, we must not pretend to be God's peer.
We must read as students before a wise Teacher, servants before a sovereign Lord, children before a perfect Father. Because He knows what we do not. And He has spoken.