"...and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts - to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of craftsmanship." Exodus 31:3-5
Have you ever wondered how men figured out certain things? How did the first potter learn that clay can be molded and fired to make something that can last for generations? How did the first weaver figure out how to turn thread into cloth? Today, men study from other men, but there were not always schools. Men lived off the land, and what they learned was with their own two hands.
God answered the question about how men gained their knowledge when He appointed Bezalel and Oholiab to oversee the craftsmanship for building the Tent of Meeting and all its contents. These men were experts. They could tell you how the ark of the covenant was built; they could even point out those little imperfections that every artist sees but no others can. But they didn't do all this on their own. Bezalel was filled with the Spirit of God. The skill that he and Oholiab shared came directly from the mind of God.
Since the very beginning of time, man has been learning new things, but the knowledge we gain comes from God. Sometimes, we forget that, and we think more highly of ourselves that we should.
Lord, I acknowledge that every skill I have comes from You. It is tempting to hold the praises I receive when others compliment my talents. Help me to always speak the truth: it is Your handiwork and inspiration - not my own.