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Knowledge vs. Wisdom

There's been a lot of talk in the news lately about the collection of information from private citizens. This has been done without their permission and knowledge. In today's electronic world, we leave giant footprints of our lives everywhere--on social media, our online purchases, Internet searches, and purchases in stores. It's all being tracked by a flock of information gatherers.  Whether or not we like it, the pile of data on our personal lives grows everyday. 

 One thing we've become very good at is accumulating knowledge. Knowledge is defined in the dictionary as an "acquaintance with facts, familiarity with a subject." Let's compare it to driving. We learn about handling a vehicle--how it works, how to drive it, and the rules of the road. Then we take a test to see if we have the knowledge to get our license.

 Wisdom on the other hand is using knowledge and/or experience to act justly, prudently, and with discernment.  It's about the big picture--consequences, what's good and what's bad. The chasm is wide between the two, but we put such a high value on knowledge and forget about wisdom. Knowledge is nothing without wisdom. 

I may be able to pass the driver's test and get my license with ease. What I do behind the wheel measures my wisdom. Those who drink and drive, or text and drive end up in accidents. Their knowledge of driving a car didn't give them automatic wisdom.  A driver who lacks wisdom eventually harms himself and/or others.

 The Bible defines the beginning of wisdom this way: 

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Proverbs 9:10 NASB

The respect, the reverence for the God of the universe is the beginning of the journey to wisdom. The more we get to know Him gives us deeper understanding about who He is and how we should live our lives. 

 We're so eager to show off our knowledge. We love being right, being recognized for how much we know. With algorithms, spreadsheets, and databases, we can rule the world. 
He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; He who keeps understanding will find good. Proverbs  19:8 NASB
I find this human knowledge/information gathering cold and lifeless. We all know that the world is in information overload. Who can take it all in? Who can manage it? What will you do with it? How will it benefit you? Will it hurt you?

 Wisdom is relationship. Coming to grips with the reality of God and who He really is. Then we gain knowledge from His Word to act in the right way.The wise driver uses skills and knowledge to drive safely. 

 Our relationship with the Creator opens the way to live principled and purposeful lives.  Lives that exhibit love, mercy, generosity, and forgiveness.  True wisdom isn't something we acquire with age, nor is it human in origin.  

  He's put life's necessary wisdom in a book called the Bible. Truth--wisdom--it's all scary stuff when we find out that fall so short of divine wisdom.  It's so much easier to count on our knowledge, and take our own path.

 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.  James 3:13-18 NIV

 Overloaded with too much information? Tired of worrying about it all? The God of all wisdom invites you to walk with Him. 

It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God--that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. I Corinthians 1:30 NIV

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