In the biblical context, skills are often seen as gifts from God, bestowed upon individuals for the purpose of fulfilling His divine plans and serving the community. The Bible provides numerous examples of skilled individuals whose talents were used to advance God's purposes, emphasizing the importance of both natural abilities and the wisdom to use them effectively.

Old Testament Examples

One of the earliest mentions of skills in the Bible is found in the construction of the Tabernacle. In Exodus 31:1-6, God specifically chooses Bezalel and Oholiab, filling them with "the Spirit of God, with wisdom, understanding, and ability in all kinds of craftsmanship" . These artisans were endowed with skills in working with gold, silver, bronze, and other materials to create the sacred objects for worship. This passage highlights the divine origin of their skills and the importance of using them for God's glory.

In 1 Kings 7:13-14, Hiram of Tyre is described as a craftsman "filled with wisdom, understanding, and skill to do all kinds of bronze work" . He was instrumental in building Solomon's Temple, further illustrating how God uses skilled individuals to accomplish His purposes.

Wisdom and Skill

The Bible often links skill with wisdom, suggesting that true skill is not merely technical ability but also includes the discernment to apply it rightly. Proverbs 22:29 states, "Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men" . This proverb underscores the value of skill and its potential to elevate an individual to positions of influence and responsibility.

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, skills are also seen as gifts from God, meant to be used for the edification of the church. In 1 Corinthians 12:4-7, Paul speaks of different gifts, services, and workings, all given by the same Spirit for the common good. While this passage primarily addresses spiritual gifts, it implies that all abilities, including practical skills, are to be used in service to others and for the glory of God.

The parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30 further illustrates the importance of using one's skills and abilities wisely. The servants are entrusted with different amounts of money, and their faithfulness in using these resources is rewarded. This parable teaches that God expects individuals to use their skills productively and that there will be accountability for how these gifts are employed.

Skills in Ministry

The early church recognized the importance of skills in ministry. Acts 6:1-7 describes the appointment of deacons to manage the distribution of food, allowing the apostles to focus on prayer and the ministry of the word. This division of labor highlights the need for various skills within the church community to ensure that all needs are met effectively.

Conclusion

Throughout the Bible, skills are portrayed as valuable gifts from God, intended for the service of others and the fulfillment of His purposes. Whether in craftsmanship, leadership, or ministry, the proper use of skills is a testament to God's provision and wisdom.

Book Four this is the Story of his Years among the Manicheans. ...
... 2. During those years I taught the art of rhetoric. Conquered by the desire for
gain, I offered for sale speaking skills with which to conquer others. ...
/.../augustine/confessions and enchiridion/book four this is the.htm

A Good Declaring of Certain Doubts that May Fall in this Word ...
... whatso they be, religious or seculars, the use and the working of this natural wit
is then evil, when it is swollen with proud and curious skills of worldly ...
/.../anonymous/the cloud of unknowing/here beginneth the eighth chapter.htm

But Why do I Laugh at the Sickles and Tridents which have Been ...
... [4672]. Footnotes: [4658] Lit., "are.". [4659] Lit., "with strife of skills.".
[4660] ms. Phyrna, but below Phryna, which is read in both instances by Hild. ...
/.../arnobius/the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/13 but why do i.htm

Thou Inevitable Day,
... To escape, with toil and pain,. From its half-divided chain? Little skills it where
or how,. If thou comest then or now,. With a smooth or angry brow; ...
/.../palgrave/the treasury of sacred song/ccxcviii thou inevitable day.htm

That Lovers of God Shall Deem with Him: and of the Love of ...
... If others truly would give counsel to him, withouten doubt they shall err because
they have not known him: and if he would give assent to their skills he shall ...
//christianbookshelf.org/rolle/the fire of love/chapter xi that lovers of.htm

The Right to Feel Superior
... In saying this I do not mean that Americans do not have some skills that it might
be advantageous for the people on some foreign mission fields to learn. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/williamson/have we no rights/chapter 10 the right to.htm

Blessed be that First Day of Thine, Lord, Wherewith this Day of ...
... chaste man. [429] As for that nakedness it was wine that made it, which even
to the chaste skills not to show mercy! With the weapon ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymn iii blessed be that.htm

Nuremberg Sept. 15, 1530. To the Honorable and Worthy N. , My ...
... Now if I were to literally translate the words of the angel, and use the skills
of these asses, I would have to translate it as "Daniel, you man of desires" or ...
/.../luther/an open letter on translating/nuremberg sept 15 1530 to.htm

Skills (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Skills (1 Occurrence). Deuteronomy 33:11 Yahweh,
bless his substance. Accept the work of his hands. Strike ...
/s/skills.htm - 6k

Skillfulness (2 Occurrences)

/s/skillfulness.htm - 7k

Skimping (1 Occurrence)

/s/skimping.htm - 6k

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