Knowledge vs. Wisdom

November 9

Knowledge is something that is acquired through diligent application to study. Our pursuit of facts can lead us into volumes of books and internet information, and into intent observation of what is transpiring around us. We seek insight into financial, social, geo-political, and many other matters and our understanding of science, history, man's progress in myriad fields of endeavor, increases as we study.

We can become expert in a particular field of knowledge. Our astute application of facts in an area of endeavor may establish our reputation as being of great insight in matters of finance, for example, or as individuals to whom others may turn for guidance in areas of relational concern.

Our expertise can afford us great success as investors whose personal wealth increases and whose counsel affords others financial success. Our understanding of interpersonal relationships may result in our advice being sought by those who wrestle with personal problems beyond their ability to rectify.

But there is one realm where diligent study does not afford us a strong fortress of knowledge from which we may securely survey our interests. That one realm involves wisdom. Wisdom, unlike knowledge, is not acquired through study. Wisdom comes from being at the feet of Jesus and asking it of Him. Wisdom comes as we submit our minds to the mind of God; as we allow ourselves to think as He thinks, to understand as He understands.

Wisdom will often set our thinking upon a course that leads us away from the general consensus of the opinion of the world. We will not see matters of war and peace, or of poverty and wealth, or of advantage and disadvantage as they are seen by unenlightened minds. No. Our perspective, our point of view, will not be worldly; they will be godly.

It is to our great advantage, therefore, in time as well as for eternity, to allow our minds to be surrendered to His mind, to allow our hearts to beat in concert with Christ's heart, to allow our understanding to be infused with wisdom that can come only from God Himself.

In James 1:5 we are told, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God who gives to all liberally…and it will be given to him.” The Lord imparts wisdom to those who are close to Him relationally, to those who sit at His feet and allow Him to pour of Himself upon them.