Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 18:15

by David Chadwick

"An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge." Proverbs 18:15

Knowledge is "the awareness gained by experience of a fact or situation." Wisdom is defined as "the quality of having knowledge and good judgment."

Biblically, both wisdom and knowledge are frequently discussed. They are very important qualities to have in living life well. It is impossible to lead well without knowledge and wisdom.

But what is the difference between the two?

Knowledge gathers information and forms understanding, especially about God. It is inadequate to simply know a lot of facts. True, biblical knowledge understands who God is and forms an awareness that is centered around his heart.

Whereas knowledge is the gathering of information, wisdom comes as you learn how to apply the knowledge practically. Wisdom is developed by asking "Why?" and "How?" and seeking direction. It comes as you ask why something exists, why someone is acting the way they are, why something happened the way it did. And it asks, "How do I move forward with what I know?" It is important to pursue a life of wisdom and seek to understand both the facts and the nuances of life and human behavior.

When God offered Solomon one gift, Solomon did not choose riches, power, or success. Do you know what he asked God to give him? Wisdom! Solomon's request pleased the heart of God. The biblical books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes contain much of the wisdom that the Lord gave Solomon. Historically, these books are called "wisdom literature."

Additionally, did you know wisdom in Scripture is often personified as a woman? Proverbs 1:20-21 is an example of this personification. It says that wisdom calls aloud and raises her voice in the street. Proverbs 8:1-3 is another example, which says that wisdom calls out.

In the same way that a man seeks after a woman, we must seek after wisdom. We should desire it, pursue it, and receive its imprint on our lives. With all our hearts. Without it, we are in danger and vulnerable to deception and folly.

Seek both wisdom and knowledge. Together. A fruitful and faithful life comes from rightly pursuing and rightly using both of these tools God has given us.