The Difference Between Wisdom and Knowledge

Both wisdom and knowledge are mentioned frequently in the Bible, but many people don’t seem to understand the difference between wisdom and knowledge. That distinction is important, especially considering everything that’s happening in our world.

Everyone can agree that the total of worldwide knowledge has increased at an astonishing rate. What was science fiction just a few decades ago is now so commonplace that we take it for granted. We use a small device (like a cell phone) to do multiple things; processes that used to take a room-sized computer to accomplish! In fact, the increase in knowledge is one of the signs of the times that God gave to signal the end of this age;

Daniel 12:4

But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase. (NKJV)

While this prophesy specifically mentions knowledge, wisdom is noticeably absent. But is the difference between knowledge and wisdom such a big deal? I believe the answer is yes, it’s a huge deal!

When Did This Start?

The difference between wisdom and knowledge was demonstrated by God Himself before time and matter came into being, at the beginning of creation;

Proverbs 3:19-20

The Lord by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding He established the heavens; 20 By His knowledge the depths were broken up, and clouds drop down the dew.  (NKJV)

God used His wisdom to plan out the earth, which includes everything affecting it as well as everything (and everyone) living on it. He had to take into account every factor which would have an impact, and make allowances for every conceivable event. Then, once the earth was completed, He used knowledge to set up the individual components (like ‘breaking up the depths,’). Wisdom was required to visualize the big picture and to establish what needed to happen. Knowledge was relegated to setting the individual components into play. Acting upon raw knowledge – without wisdom to guide it – would have been a catastrophe.

The difference between wisdom and knowledge was also brought out at the beginning of humankind – in the Garden of Eden;

Genesis 2:8-9

The Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden, and there He put the man whom He had formed. 9 And out of the ground the Lord God made every tree grow that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.  (NKJV)

Did you ever notice that God labeled it the  tree of ”the knowledge of good and evil” and not the tree of “the wisdom of good and evil”? Simply put, God wanted to establish the difference between wisdom and knowledge right from the outset of the human experience. His intention was, and still is, to show what would happen if people were to act on knowledge without the benefit of wisdom. Adam and Eve had the source of all wisdom in their relationship with God, yet they also had option to act on knowledge alone. We all know the results of their tragic decision.

That one act of rebellion by Adam showed the stark reality of the difference between wisdom and knowledge. What happened was the direct result of using knowledge without incorporating wisdom with it!

This is Part One of a multi-part series. Keep watch for the next installment!