While wisdom and knowledge are often discussed and given great weight in the Bible, they are not the same thing. Despite their close relationship, the two have different uses and meanings. The dictionary defines knowledge as “information gained through experience, reasoning, or acquaintance,” but wisdom is described as “the ability to discern or judge what is true, right, or lasting.” This dichotomy draws attention to a crucial distinction: knowledge and wisdom are mutually exclusive, but knowledge cannot exist without wisdom. It is possible to possess knowledge without also possessing wisdom; knowledge is the ability to do an action, but wisdom is the ability to apply that ability in a way that is morally and practically sound. For instance, being able to handle a pistol is a sign of knowledge, but wisdom comes from understanding when to draw and when to leave it holstered.
It is God’s will that we know Him and know what He requires of us. We must first comprehend God’s teachings and His instructions in order to obey Him. A solid understanding of God and His Word is essential to our faith. But simply gaining information is insufficient. Wisdom, which enables us to use our knowledge in ways that are in line with God’s purpose, is equally vital. Wisdom is not limited to understanding facts about God, the Bible, or spiritual concepts. According to the Bible, wisdom is a gift from God. James 1:5 says that if any of you lack knowledge, you should seek God for it. He gives freely to everyone without finding fault, so you will get it. This passage emphasizes the concept that wisdom is a gift from God, not just something we may earn on our own. It is given to us so that we might honor Him and make appropriate use of the information we have gained.
The book of Proverbs in the Bible is a great place to start when learning about biblical wisdom. Proverbs 1:7, which states, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction,” profoundly captures the link between knowledge and wisdom. This text explains that the foundation of real knowledge is a respectful reverence of the Lord. It’s by this regard that we allow God’s knowledge to enter our lives. The Bible also emphasizes that Jesus Christ is the embodiment of wisdom. According to 1 Corinthians 1:30, “You are in Christ Jesus because of him, who has become wisdom from God for us, that is, our righteousness, holiness, and redemption.” This verse makes clear that we get divine wisdom via Christ, which is essential to our salvation and spiritual development.
Fundamentally, knowledge is something we pick up over time from reading, thinking, and studying—especially from the Bible. The capacity to appropriately use that information in our daily lives, however, is what we call wisdom. When a traffic light turns red, for example, knowledge knows that it has done so; wisdom tells us to stop. Wisdom directs us to avoid quicksand because wisdom recognizes its danger. Wisdom lives by the Ten Commandments, knowledge memorizes them. Wisdom loves and honors God; knowledge learns about Him. Thus, in order to guide us in living righteously, wisdom and knowledge must cooperate in the life of a believer, one complementing the other.
📌FOR FURTHER STUDY
📖 Wisdom, Information and Wonder: What is Knowledge For?