Knowledge Versus Wisdom?
What is the difference between knowledge and wisdom? The Google dictionary defines knowledge as “facts, information, and skills acquired by a person through experience or education; the theoretical or practical understanding of a subject”, and wisdom is defined as, “the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment; the quality of being wise.” Having an understanding of a topic does not necessarily mean that one will use that information wisely.
Today’s link will take you to a study on the great commission and how much the world needs Jesus. The song that leads in this study is called “Your Vessel” which I wrote in 2004. Here is one verse from the song:
People running to and fro, not really knowing where they go,
Caught up in the madness of the day,
Fighting for the latest cause, to fix the world’s latest flaws,
Forgetting God’s already shown the way.
The inspiration for this song came from the book of Daniel when the angel Gabriel is talking to Daniel about the last days.
“At that time shall arise Michael, the great prince who has charge of your people. And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written in the book. And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever. But you, Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book, until the time of the end. Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.”
Daniel 12:1-4 (ESV, Emphasis mine.)
Gabriel is talking about an age when our storehouse of “knowledge” would increase exponentially such as the technology explosion that continues to increase at a very rapid pace in our world today. In the NIV, verse 4b is worded, “‘Many will go here and there to increase knowledge.’” This would suggest people running frantically to different places and/or sources to try to increase their own knowledge about a topic or topics. Does that sound like our world today?
When I was young, our television had only a handful of channels that could be picked up with the antenna on our roof. Recording a show was about as easy as corralling a feral kitten, so we typically arranged our time around the shows we wanted to watch. The news was limited to four times a day in the morning, noon, evening, and 10:00. Now, thanks to cable, dishes, and streaming services, we have the opportunity to watch news 24-hours a day, 7 days a week from multiple sources on multiple channels. Our knowledge has increased dramatically thanks to these informative bastians of truth and integrity! (Sarcasm mine.) But I fear that as “knowledge” increases, real wisdom is decreasing. Let us look at what the Bible tells us about wisdom.
“Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?”
1 Kings 3:9 (ESV, Emphasis mine.)
Solomon became a king at a very young age, and he recognized his need for the kind of wisdom that only God could give – discerning between good and evil. This is really important because if we cannot do this, we cannot exercise good judgement or make good decisions.
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
Proverbs 1:7 (ESV)
Here, Solomon warns us that we need to have a holy respect for God before going after knowledge. A solid Biblical foundation can help us to discern between truth and lies. I’ve written many times about the reality that our 24/7 news outlets have to generate fear in order to stay in business. We need to look at everything through Biblical glasses and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.
James 3:17 (ESV)
Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is folly with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their craftiness,” and again, “The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.” So let no one boast in men.
1 Corinthians 3:18-21a (ESV)
Our culture idolizes people with multiple degrees from prestigious colleges. These are the people with answers who can tell us how we should think and live so that we don’t have to figure it out for ourselves. Don’t get me wrong – we can’t all be experts in everything, but we do need discernment from above to determine what is truth and what is manipulation. Sadly, so many in our culture today have abandoned reason and truth in exchange for fear and control. Too many have accepted the wisdom of the world instead of the wisdom that only God can give if we would simply ask.
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
James 1:5 (ESV)
This week, my challenge to all of us is to seek truth and wisdom over the knowledge that the world seeks to give us. Test everything through prayer and with Bible in hand. Put your faith in the Creator of the Universe instead of people who may or may not have an ulterior motive. Choose wisdom!
Dear God,
Like Solomon, I too ask you for Godly wisdom. Help me to discern between truth and deception. Grant me the ability to use good judgement and make good decisions. Help me to use all of the gifts that you have given to me, including real knowledge, in a manner that glorifies you. Amen.
Songs of Victory
Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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