What's the difference?

Let's look at an interesting little piece of Scripture.

Proverbs 4:7(NKJV)

7    Wisdom is the principal thing;     Therefore get wisdom.     And in all your getting, get understanding.

You may remember yesterday I wrote about Wisdom, Knowledge, and Understanding.  I don't know about you but I kind of just lump all three of those things in together as being pretty much the same thing.  So imagine my surprise when today I read that wisdom is the principal, or most important thing.  What the heck is the difference?  Let's take a look.

----------------------

wis·dom

noun

1.

the quality or state of being wise;  knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgment as to action; sagacity, discernment, or insight.

2.

scholarly knowledge or learning: the wisdom of the schools.

3.

wise  sayings or teachings; precepts.

4.

a wise  act or saying.

knowl·edge

noun

1.

acquaintance with facts, truths, or principles, as from study or investigation; general erudition: knowledge of many things.

2.

familiarity or conversance, as with a particular subject or branch of learning: A knowledge of accounting was necessary for the job.

3.

acquaintance or familiarity gained by sight, experience, or report: a knowledge of human nature.

4.

the fact or state of knowing;  the perception of fact or truth; clear and certain mental apprehension.

5.

awareness, as of a fact or circumstance: He had knowledge of her good fortune.

un·der·stand·ing

noun

1.

mental process of a person who comprehends; comprehension; personal interpretation: My understanding of the word does not agree with yours.

2.

intellectual faculties; intelligence; mind: a quick understanding.

3.

superior power of discernment; enlightened intelligence: With her keen understanding she should have become a leader.

4.

knowledge of or familiarity with a particular thing; skill in dealing with or handling something: an understanding of accounting practice.

5.

a state of cooperative or mutually tolerant relations between people: To him, understanding and goodwill were the supreme virtues.

------------------------

Isn't it interesting that the Bible identifies wisdom as the superior choice and as I look at the definitions I can see why.  To me the definitions seem to indicate that wisdom is the combining of our knowledge and understanding to help us reach deeper meanings.

So next time you read something that peaks your interest, dig a little deeper.  Don't be satisfied with just building your knowledge base.  Dig deeper for wisdom!