“My child, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity.”
Proverbs 3:1-2, NIV
Wisdom and knowledge is not the same thing. Kids today are more knowledgeable than ever before in history. These smart devices that even my two-year old can use have access to more information than we could ever learn. Knowledge at our finger tips! However, only time will tell if all this knowledge will extend our lives.
If I am out hiking in Palo Duro Canyon with a friend and get snakebit I would rather rely on another person’s wisdom to either treat my wound or carry me out than Pioneer Pete’s Wilderness Survival App. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy my smartphone and all the knowledge that comes with it but I wonder if these devices are not robbing us from true wisdom.
My short answer to the difference between wisdom and knowledge: knowledge is understanding what to do while wisdom is understanding what, how, why, and when to do it. Wisdom is the experienceguided application of knowledge along with that feeling in your gut when you just know something to be right. The writer of Proverbs has spent much time teaching the next generation and reminds his students to trust and apply this knowledge in their daily lives. The adult/child relationship is the most basic building block of any society.
All children need mentors to walk and talk with in order to develop wisdom. No app can fill the void of a mentor. Even in brief moments mentors can pass along wisdom. When walking into a convenience store ask a child to open the door for you then look them in the eye and thank them for this kindness. They already have the knowledge of opening doors but now they experience the benefit of when and how to open a door for someone else. This might not transform a child’s life but it could. You could even go a step further and express the importance of being kind to others, even strangers. This might get you in trouble with their parent standing nearby listening to a total stranger teach their child about kindness but by smiling and being kind even in this moment you may share wisdom as well.
Prosperity or fullness of life is found in community. By entering into relationship with others we share knowledge and wisdom in order that everyone can prosper. Share your wisdom today, someone needs it.
*Jonathan Sullivan is the Pastor at First Baptist Church, 1201 Western Circle Dr., in Dimmitt, Texas. Small groups meet on Sunday morning at 9:30 and Worship is at 10:30. Check us out at fbcdimmitt.com for more events and times. You belong at FBC.