Seeking Knowledge and Wisdom
Why Facts without Reflection is Foolish!
There has been a fortuitous intersection between sermons at the Ridley Chapel and my home church’s preaching schedule.
Both places have been preaching around themes of knowledge and wisdom.
Brian Rosner gave a sermon where he provided a very memorable way of remembering the difference between knowledge and wisdom.
Knowledge is knowing that a Tomato is a fruit.
Wisdom is knowing that you don’t put Tomato in a fruit salad!
That’s genius! Because it is so true.
There is a difference between knowing something and knowing what to do with it and what not to do about it.
I might know when I am right about something, but there is knowing whether or not to make a big deal about it. Something I think I need to apply more to marriage, parenting, faculty meetings, and social media!
Knowledge is factual, while wisdom looks towards practical application and takes into account broader considerations about context and consequences.
Knowledge is about knowing the what; while wisdom considers how and when to apply that knowledge.
Knowledge can be acquired through study and learning (or a quick Google search); yet wisdom comes from life-experience, mistakes, and reflection.
Knowledge should inform decisions, so we get the facts right; but wisdom provides the guardrails for how we use knowledge, and it helps us navigate the complexities in life.
Pursue knowledge, yet act with wisdom!
Pray that “wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul” (Prov 2:10).