Knowledge
Facts, information, and skills acquired by a person
through experience or education;
the theoretical or practical understanding of a subject.
Wisdom
Applying knowledge, experience, and good judgement
to make sound actions or decisions.
Wisdom: 408 times in the NIV Bible
2 Chronicles 1:10-12 (New International Version)
“Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people,
for who is able to govern this great people of yours?”
God said to Solomon, “Since this is your heart’s desire
and you have not asked for wealth, possessions or honor,
nor for the death of your enemies, and since you have not
asked for a long life but for wisdom and knowledge
to govern my people over whom I have made your kin,
therefore wisdom and knowledge will be given you.
And I will also give you wealth, possessions and honor,
such as no king who was before you ever had
and none after you will have.”
1 Corinthians 1:25 (NIV)
For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom,
and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.
desiringod.org – John Piper
Proverbs 9:1 (New Revised Standard Version)
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.
…fearing the Lord means fearing to run away from him.
It means fearing to seek refuge, and joy, and hope anywhere
other than in God. It means keeping before our eyes
what a fearful prospect it is to stop trusting and depending
on God to meet our needs. The fear of the Lord is, therefore,
the beginning of wisdom not only in the sense that it it is
the first step in a wise way to live, but also in the sense
that ll the later characteristics of wisdom flow
fro, the fear of the Lord like a river flows from a spring.
~John Piper
When pride comes, then comes disgrace,
but with humility comes wisdom.
Proverbs 11:2 (NIV)
Matthew 2:1-2 (NIV)
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea,
during the time of King Herod,
Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked,
“Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?
We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.
Matthew 2:1-12
5 Biblical Steps for finding Wisdom
1. One must desire wisdom.
Prize her [wisdom] highly, and she will exalt you;
she will honor you if you embrace her.”
Proverbs 4:8 (NRSV)
2. We must study and meditate on the Word regularly.
3. We should pray.
4. Remember that life is short.
Teach us to number our days,
that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
Psalms 90:12 (NIV)
5. Have a personal relationship with Jesus.
James 1:5
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God,
who gives generously to all without finding fault,
and it will be given to you.
But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt,
because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea,
blown and tossed by the wind.