The Difference Between Wisdom and Knowledge 4

A practical example showcasing the difference between wisdom and knowledge is found in the Book of Acts. Paul had been arrested for supposedly causing an uprising among the Jews, and he eventually got the chance to present his case to the political leadership of Jerusalem. During his defense, an interesting point is seen in how one individual responded to what Paul was saying.

Acts 24:22-23

But when Felix heard these things, having more accurate knowledge of the Way, he adjourned the proceedings and said, “When Lysias the commander comes down, I will make a decision on your case.” (NKJV)

Felix had more accurate knowledge of the things Paul was talking about (the resurrection of Christ and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies), but knowledge alone didn’t do him any good. His knowledge became foolishness and powerless to change his heart because he didn’t have wisdom. He knew all the right facts, but he didn’t seek God to have the wisdom required to use that knowledge rightly! His failure of using knowledge through wisdom became apparent in his life, and his failure to seek God resulted in his foolish rejection of the gospel. He didn’t understand the difference between wisdom and knowledge.

A Spiritual Principle

That’s a worldly, real-life example of the difference between wisdom and knowledge but it also relates to spiritual things because it is primarily a spiritual principle. We can see it play out in the crucifixion of Christ Himself.

1 Cor 2:6-9

However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. 7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, 8 which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

9 But as it is written:

Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him. (NKJV)

This passage goes to great lengths to show that knowledge without godly wisdom is foolishness. The rulers of this age (the devil and his followers, both spiritual and human) had all the facts available to them regarding Jesus as the Messiah, but they couldn’t understand what they meant. They were made foolish because they refused to seek God in how the facts were to be acted on. They rejected God and so were left to themselves. If the rulers of this age knew what they were doing (had God’s wisdom in action) then they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

Paul immediately goes into the explanation of why they didn’t know what they were doing – they didn’t know God. They didn’t understand the difference between wisdom and knowledge. He makes it clear that the wisdom of God only comes from seeking and knowing the God of all wisdom.

1 Cor 2:10-12

But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. 11 For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. (NKJV)

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