Wisdom vs. knowledge

Last week I was thinking a lot about wisdom as part of our new spring planting series. Part of the discussion centered on wisdom and knowledge — and the difference between them. Graham talked about wisdom beginning with knowledge, which is true, but it doesn't end there.

I think of the difference between them as sort of the difference between "book smarts" and "street smarts." We've all known people who surpassed us in knowledge. People who are either professional students, or who have great memories and are great collectors of facts. But that doesn't necessarily mean they're wise. History is full of people the could lecture endlessly on deep intellectual topics but couldn't navigate the corner grocery store. The absent-minded professor type.

There are also plenty of people that know everything about the world except how to engage it and be a part of it; though sometimes they don't even know it. Graham talked about the fact that true wisdom takes time; and that's something that's really hit home with me.

I have been a Christian and part of a church since I was in elementary school. Over the years I've acquired a great deal of Biblical knowledge. I know what it means to be a Christian and know lots about our Biblical texts and what the Bible is saying about our lives. There was probably even a time in high school, college and as a young adult when I thought I was wise.

But it's not enough to know about God, true wisdom comes when you know God, and when you know how to apply the knowledge you've gained to your life. I am wise enough now to know I'm not where I should be, but I'm working on it. Biblical wisdom, like our relationship with Jesus, is a lifelong pursuit. The more I learn and study, the more I realize there is to consider.

While that might seem like a daunting task, it's not. There is a joy that comes from seeking after God, and it's that joy that makes the pursuit of wisdom — when correctly undertaken — an adventure.