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I am part of a book study group that is currently reading the book “It’s Good to Be Queen” by Liz Curtis Higgs. She uses the backdrop of the biblical story in 1 Kings 10 about the Queen of Sheba visiting King Solomon, considered to be the wisest man in the world. She came to him seeking wisdom.
There is a difference between Knowledge and Wisdom. Knowledge is information gathered, it is knowing. Wisdom is the ability to apply that knowledge. It puts the learning into practice.
There is an old joke that says “Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad”
It appears, then, that Knowledge comes first. If knowledge is learning, gathering information that can be found daily by studying, talking with those around you, asking questions of others.
So where do you find wisdom?
Look at others around you. Talk with them. Seek their input as Sheba did with Solomon. What are they doing with their knowledge? Are they just a ‘know-it-all’ or are they applying their knowledge effectively? If wisdom is the application of knowledge, then look to how others have dealt with a situation like one you are experiencing. What choices did they make? What can you learn from that and apply to yourself at this moment?
Consider your past experiences. What can you do with the knowledge you have gained? What has worked in the past? What didn’t? How can you apply that to your current situation?
Read self-help books and biographies. Watch some TED talks. What can you take from their stories that you could apply to your life?
And finally, look within. Allow yourself time to focus and reflect. Take a step back to consider all the pieces of knowledge you have. Do you need to learn more? What if someone were to ask you about this very thing? What would you tell them?
Knowledge and Wisdom – they go hand in hand.
Knowledge without Wisdom is like water in the sand.