Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who under-stands obtain guidance… The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.

– Proverbs 1:5, 7

I know far more information than I did when I was 12 years old. I can quote more scripture. I even know a word or two in Greek and Hebrew. I can explain some of the finer details of Lutheran theology. I know more medical terminology from hundreds of hospital visits. I understand better how buying and selling a home works. I can more easily pick up the types of cries of children and what they mean. I know how important it is to cherish my wife.

But wisdom and knowledge are different. In my own feeble and meager attempt to identify some of the distinctions between the two, one difference that strikes me is the difference of growth. To grow in knowledge means to acquire additional information or skills. The math equation makes sense:

1 unit of knowledge + 1 unit of knowledge = 2 units of knowledge.

Growth in wisdom is different, though. The math doesn’t make any sense. At least in my experience, the more wisdom you gain, the more you realize your deficiencies in knowledge. Perhaps the equation looks something more like:

1 unit of knowledge + 1 unit of Wisdom = -100 units of knowledge

No, wisdom does not actually make you less intelligent. But whereas knowledge puffs up, wisdom humbles us. The more wisdom we are granted, the more we come to realize how much more there is to learn, and how little we already know. It is only fools who despise wisdom and instruction, so we must be wise enough to realize our own deficiencies. When we admit we have much to learn, we then are open to more knowledge.

The same is true for our life in Christ. The more we recognize how deficient we are, the more Jesus fills us with His mercy and forgiveness.

Prayer:

Father, make us wise for salvation through your son Jesus Christ.

Daily Reading: Luke 4

– Contributed by Pastor Jarod Koenig