A Smart Person Knows What to Say -
A Wise Person Knows Whether to Say it Or Not
The relationship between wisdom and knowledge has baffled man since the beginning. We are living in the 'Information Society' where knowledge is king. At times it is a bit overwhelming if not overpowering, with so many texts, blogs, and not to mention email or even the morning newspaper and the evening news.... so much information.
As TS Eliot reminds us from his poem, The Rock.
"All our knowledge brings us nearer to our ignorance,
All our ignorance brings us nearer to death,
But nearness to death no longer nearer to God.
Where is the life we have lost in living?
Where is the wisdom we have lost in knowledge?
Where is the knowledge we have lost in information?
The cycles of Heaven in twenty centuries
Bring us farther from God and nearer to the Dust."
The Scriptures remind us that knowledge carries the danger of puffing up a person with pride. Knowledge can also confuse us if we are not careful. That is why wisdom is important. Wisdom is the proper application of knowledge. Wisdom is the ability to make sense and order of knowledge and give it context and contours leading to insight and judgment.
The Scriptures remind us of this seminal truth: Wisdom has the advantage of giving success. (Ecclesiastes 10:10) The Bible, the inspired word of God, is full of God's wisdom to guide His people during their stay upon the earth. That is why we should seek and desire God's wisdom more than gold. (Proverbs 2)
Make no mistake - There is no premium for stupidity in the Christian life. Knowledge is vital. But are you simply a knowledgeable person or are you a wise person?
Until He comes for us,
Fred