Understanding, wisdom and knowledge

[jason h]

Hi everyone. I see these three words come up in scripture a lot and sometimes wonder if they have distinct meanings or if they were just idioms of the day.

Knowledge - sounds to me, of having memory of facts or figures.

Wisdom - perhaps knowledge through lifes experience?

Understanding - coming to a particular issue without having any prior knowledge and being able to draw from other experiences to help with knowing what to do?

I have a word picture for the above 3 but dont know if it's correct till I have a better working knowledge of the above 3.

I know we use the word common sense now days but even that isnt correctly used since when some people say something is common sense, they fail to recognize that the information they have was taught to them. Not always the case but just an example.

Thanks for any insight, Jason

 

[Chad]

Hi Jason,

Those are good questions.

Wisdom & Understanding & Knowledge = Proverbs 9:10

Also, Proverbs 1:5

Quoting from another source:

Knowledge - This is the acquisition of information.
Understanding is the ability to apply that information
Wisdom knows when and in what way to apply that understanding.

KNOWLEDGE
I can go into the library, pick up a book, and memorise some facts. This act alone gets me knowledge.

UNDERSTANDING
If I take that book learning and go to a class; when I am taught techniques- I can put that knowledge into practice; and when I have gained a working knowledge of the subject I have understanding.

WISDOM
Wisdom, however is a different matter, because, this is not something that can be taught, but is a gift from God. The Book of James teaches us in the first chapter and fifth verse that if any of us lacks wisdom we are to ask God - in faith, nothing wavering- and He will give to all of us liberally without finding fault.​

 

[jason h]

Thanks for the information Chad. After reading the posted scripture along with your reply, I see I was out in the weeds in my thinking of the above 3. That helped out a lot.