What is the difference between wisdom and knowledge? It’s very easy to go through life “knowing” things. We all know “knowledge is power” and all that, but sometimes it seems like in this day and age, knowledge takes precedence over wisdom.
There is a common phrase in my house whenever someone is trying to explain something to another household member, in which that member thinks they already know what is being told to them. “I know-ah!” It is a statement of irritation and “knowledge”. This exasperated phrase is often followed by, “You’re Noah?”, much to the irritation of said member.
It’s very easy to dig into a rut, where we cannot learn because of our own stubbornness. We all have knowledge in some areas. But we also are all lacking in others. So instead of trying to know everything, I want to have wisdom to discern, especially in areas where I don’t have a clue what’s going on.
Proverbs 1:2-7 reads, “To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight, to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity; to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth—Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance,to understand a proverb and a saying, the words of the wise and their riddles. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
From my limited perspective, I can see that in order to gain wisdom, seeking after the Lord comes first. Following Him with my whole heart, so that he can teach me to be wise.
