Concerning Knowledge and Wisdom

Generally, the difference between knowledge and wisdom is that knowledge gives facts and wisdom shows us what to do about those facts. That said, it cannot always be determined where knowledge ends and wisdom begins. There are times in conversations when we might wonder, "Was that comment a word of knowledge or a word of wisdom".

One can have a lot of wisdom but if relevant facts are absent, direct effective application may not be possible. On the other hand, even if one knows all the relevant facts but lacks the relevant wisdom, the wrong thing is likely to be done with them. Very frequently, where there is one, the other also comes into play.

The truth is beautifully summed up in a statement by King Solomon: "The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, but the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness" (Proverbs 15:2). A wise person uses knowledge rightly. I can think of several people who know many things but will often say them at the wrong time. I have at times been one of them.

We must also recognize that God's wisdom is not synonymous with the world's wisdom. Wisdom from God is the ability to see life from God's perspective and then to know the best course of action to take. In fact, Proverbs 9:10 teaches that the reverence and fear of the Lord (respect and honor) are basic to all true wisdom. God's wisdom is very practical and to the point. It is stated in simple terms. It is very interesting to note that in the King James Version of the Bible, only once is there a word in the teachings of Jesus Christ, having more than four syllables. No one ever spoke like this Man Jesus. Solomon summed up the nature of wisdom in Ecclesiastes 10:10: "If the axe is dull, and one does not sharpen the edge, then he must use more strength; but wisdom brings success.

James, a servant of God and the Lord Jesus Christ wrote in Chapter 1 verse 5 of the letter, "If you need wisdom, if you want to know what God wants you to do, ask Him, and He will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking.