As I make my way back to the office to prepare for my students this fall, I reflect on the mothers and fathers that are preparing their children for the next chapter in life. Getting ready to push another one, or maybe the first one, out of the nest in pursuit of a successful, independent future. Well, at least a future that ensures they will not be living at home for the next twenty years, let’s be realistic. We expect that our children will attain a higher level of knowledge that leads them to success and happiness. As I think about this another thought enters my mind – as we prepare our children for the future, do we pray for their attainment of wisdom also? You know, the wisdom that says, call your mom once a week and not just when you need money… Or wisdom that exceeds the capacity of both Siri and Google? Have you considered the difference between knowledge and wisdom? If you have ever known a smart person with no common sense, then you know what I mean. We’ve all been there a time or ten in our lives I’m sure. Knowing the facts does not mean that you will put the pieces together in the right way. Knowledge alone falls short without wisdom to prop it up. The words of Proverbs chapter 8 give a rich description of the embodied face and character of wisdom. It is something that dwelt with the Lord as He created the world and something that he desires for us to also have.
“22The Lord possessed me at the beginning
Proverbs 8:22-23 (ESV)
of his work,
the first of his acts of old.
23Ages ago I was set up,
at the first, before the beginning of the
earth.”
Proverbs 9:10 tells us that, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom…” (ESV) This priceless quality is available to those who seek Him. In Colossians, Paul separates wisdom from knowledge and points us to Christ to find wisdom –
“2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”
Colossians 2:2-3 (ESV)
No amount of learning or degree attainment can match the wisdom found in Christ. Wisdom is not simply knowledge, but instead it is knowledge applied to discretion. It is at the intersection of understanding that knowledge and wisdom come together to lead us into discernment.
“I wisdom, dwell with prudence, and I find knowledge and discretion.”
Proverbs 8:12 (ESV)
Wisdom leads us to seek knowledge and guides us in our use of it. It is expressed through our words and actions.
“Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.”
James 3:13 (ESV)
The wisdom found in Christ is not high and mighty, separating one from another. Instead, it is a quality that seeks to unify and love.
“But the wisdom from above if first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.”
James 3:17 (ESV)
So as we prepare for the start of another school year, I pray that I will not only impart knowledge to my students, but help them to find wisdom as well.
“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise.”
Ephesians 5:15 (ESV)
Giving God the Glory 