Proverbs 9:10 (NLT)
Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.
Here is an everyday situation that demonstrates the difference between wisdom and knowledge.
Wisdom vs. Knowledge: The Dryer Saga
A few years ago, our clothes dryer suddenly started making banging sounds as though a heavy metal rock band had gone rogue. Standing in my laundry room, I thought, “What on earth has happened to my dryer? It sounds like it's about to launch into space!” So, I turned to the modern-day encyclopedia of know-how: YouTube. I came across a video where a seasoned repairman systematically went step by step on how to repair my malfunctioning dryer.
I found myself on a mission! I ordered a new roller kit and was excited to dive in on this new adventure. The repairman guided me through a labyrinth inside my dryer. I had to totally dismantle that machine so extensively that my laundry room looked like the dryer had exploded. While I lacked the knowledge to be a repairman, I had access to wisdom, which is applied knowledge (Proverbs 2:6).
Picture of this: I'm standing in my laundry room, utilizing the video as it takes me step by step in reassembling what looked like the aftermath of a dryer apocalypse. When the dryer was totally reassembled, I plugged it back in, and with a short little prayer, I hit the power button. But guess what? It worked! I couldn't believe it! This wasn't just the gathering of knowledge; it was the application of wisdom (James 1:5).
In the biblical context, there's a significant difference between wisdom and knowledge (1 Corinthians 1:25). Wisdom isn't merely the knowledge you've acquired; it's about what you do with that knowledge. It isn’t about how high your IQ is or how many degrees hang on your wall; it’s about how you apply your knowledge in the everyday grind of life (Colossians 4:5-6). The religious leaders in the New Testament were loaded with Bible knowledge but lacked the wisdom to connect the Messianic prophecies with Jesus (Matthew 23:1-4).
The Biblical Essence of Wisdom and Meekness
From a biblical perspective wisdom and meekness are closely related (Numbers 12:3; Matthew 5:5). Meekness is not weakness; it’s power under control. Like how a powerful horse is controlled by a bridle to focus its strength for the greater good of the rider. Meekness is a life that is not only empowered by the Holy Spirit, but also directed, and submissive to the leading of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).
The fundamental component of wisdom is articulated in the Bible like this: “Fear of the LORD is the foundation of true wisdom. All who obey his commandments will grow in wisdom. Praise him forever!” (Psalm 111:10, NLT). Don’t misinterpret what fearing God means. It’s not about being terrified of God; it’s about recognizing His power and authority (Isaiah 66:2). It’s taking a position of humility and saying, “God, you’re God, King, and Lord of all.”
Let’s breakdown the difference between knowledge and wisdom as it applies to Kingdom living. You obtain knowledge of what the Kingdom of God is and how Jesus has already inaugurated it here and now through Bible study (2 Timothy 3:16). That’s knowledge. Wisdom is knowing the step-by-step process of living in the Kingdom here and now (Matthew 6:33; Romans 14:17). The Kingdom of God is already here, Jesus was inaugurated as the King of the Kingdom of God at the beginning of His public ministry when John baptized Him (Luke 3:21-22). And the Kingdom of God has not yet come in its fullness when Jesus returns as King of kings and Lord of lords (Revelation 19:16).
Living in the “Already” and “Not Yet” of God’s Kingdom
Theologians say we currently live in the tension of the “Already” and the “Not Yet” of God’s Kingdom (Hebrews 2:8-9). Wisdom is knowing how to live in this tension—how to submit to the rule and reign of Jesus over every aspect of the “Already” here and now. It’s embodying Kingdom values here and now, making choices that are aligned with Kingdom living (Micah 6:8; Matthew 7:24), while remaining submissive to the Kingdom authority rule of Jesus.
If you find yourself standing in the laundry room of life with pieces strewn everywhere, remember it’s not about knowing how to fix your problems; it’s about living out the solution. Wisdom is not like a dusty old book on your shelf, it’s like a sharp tool in your hand, guided by the power of the Holy Spirit working in and through every aspect of your life.
So, whatever challenges you face today, recognize that it’s not just about the knowledge you’ve accumulated, but about your Kingdom application of that knowledge (James 1:22). We’re not merely waiting for the Kingdom of God; we’re real-life Kingdom citizens here and now (Philippians 3:20). Let’s step into the Kingdom life, fully submitted to the rule and reign of Jesus. Completely aligned with the “Already” and yet deeply hopeful for the “Not Yet.” Be encouraged today dear reader, effectively living in the Kingdom here and now is not contingent upon you gaining massive amounts of biblical knowledge, but rather on how you apply the knowledge you have to everyday living.
Proverbs 4:7 (NLT)
Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! And whatever else you do, develop good judgment.