Wisdom, Knowledge, and Understanding

 

By Andrea Merrell

Wisdom is the principal thing. Therefore get wisdom.

Proverbs 4:7 NKJV

“With all your education and degrees, you are one smart individual,” the boss said to his young employee. “But something is missing—the wisdom and understanding to put all that knowledge to good use.”

The difference between knowledge and wisdom can be confusing. Knowledge refers mainly to a gathering of facts, figures, and information by studying or life experience. Book learnin’, as my grandfather used to say. But what good is all that information if we don’t know how to put it into practice in our everyday lives?

The Bible has much to say about wisdom (especially Proverbs) and makes a clear distinction between earthly and godly. While the first stems from boasting, lying, jealousy, and selfish ambition (James 3:16), James explains the wisdom we are to seek is "first of all pure. It is also peace-loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere” (vs. 17 NLT). 

We all need to learn and grow. To study. To be informed, but let’s not forget that wisdom, knowledge, and understanding all work together—along with a dash of good old common sense. Where do we find such a combination? Only in God’s Word.

Photo by Alex Shute on Unsplash