Knowledge vs Wisdom

The difference between knowledge and wisdom has been light heartedly described with these two sentences: Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is knowing not to put a tomato in a fruit salad.

I’ve always enjoyed a prayer said on a person’s birthday asking that they will “grow in wisdom,stature, and in favor with God and man,” Luke 2:52.

Have you noticed that people having wisdom refrain from speaking too much? Instead, they listen. Conversely, have you observed that many people with abundant knowledge speak a lot? Their motives to speak excessively can vary, but the result is the same: They are only repeating what they already know. Their time spent speaking is time they are not listening for good ideas leading to wisdom.

The Biblical poster child for wisdom was Solomon. When God offered Solomon any gift, he listened and asked God for a discerning heart (1 Kings 3: 9), which is arguably the same as seeking wisdom. When God granted Solomon’s request, the word really got out, for “Men of all nations came to listen to Solomon’s wisdom…” (1 Kings 4: 34). Gotta listen to become wise.

How best to learn to listen? Be humble. “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom” (Proverbs 11:2). Solomon, the author of this proverb, might well have said that the pride of talking too much can lead to disgrace, whereas humble listening can bring wisdom.