Wisdom, Knowledge, and Understanding

If one were to know me -- I mean, know me REALLY WELL -- I would be to you what many in this world would call a Polymath (Greek: πολυμαθής, polymathēs, "having learned much").  Now, you may be thinking: "What in the world is a Polymath?  I've never used that word to describe you."  Well, it is a word that is sometimes (most likely if you are male) referred to as a Renaissance man, which is a person whose expertise spans a significant number of different subject areas.  It is a very well-read and well-educated person with and abundance of encyclopedic knowledge.  In today's world, we would call a person like that a "nerd."   But there is more to it than that.  There is also the connotation of having an understanding deeper than that found in an encyclopedia.  That is, they are experts in many fields.  In less formal terms, a Polymath (or polymathic person) may simply be someone who is very "knowledgeable."  A polymath usually does not think of himself or herself as being particularly smart, only curious.  Curiosity and interest are the true motivation for their work, both intellectual work and the nitty-gritty of hands-on inventing.   Thomas Edison once said that: "genius is 99% perspiration and 1% inspiration."  A Polymath may make as many mistakes as the next person, but that is how new sciences are created.  Most ancient scientists and philosophers were Polymaths by today's standards.  The term was first used in the seventeenth century but the related term, polyhistor, is an ancient term with similar meaning.  The concept emerged from the numerous great thinkers of that era who excelled in multiple fields of the arts and science, including: Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Galileo Galilei, Nicolaus Copernicus, Francis Bacon, and Michael Servetus.  The emergence of these thinkers was attributed to the then rising notion in Renaissance Italy expressed by one of its most accomplished representatives, Leon Battista Alberti (1404–1472): that "a man can do all things if he will."  His concept embodied the basic tenets of Renaissance humanism, which considered humans empowered and limitless in their capacities for development, and it led to the notion that people should embrace all knowledge and develop their capacities as fully as possible.  The term applies to the gifted people of the Renaissance who sought to develop skills in all areas of knowledge, in physical development, in social accomplishments, and in the arts, in contrast to the vast majority of people of that age, who were not well-educated.  Terms such as polyhistor, polymath or even universal genius are sometimes employed as synonyms to the term.  However, by called me and any other Polymath or "nerd" very intelligent, could you really say that we have "Understanding" or that we are wise?  There are many people who are very intelligent, but they seem to make very bad decisions in their lives.  And yet, there are also people who are not well-educated at all who seem to do the "right thing" most of the time.  How could this be?  It's an easy question to ask, but a difficult question to answer.  But one might get a good idea of this by knowing the difference between three important things: Understanding, Knowledge, and Wisdom.  They may sound like the same thing and there are similarities, but if you examine the three a little closer, you'll find out just how different they really are. 

Understanding is defined as: The ability to perceive the intended meaning, significance, explanation, or cause of something.  It's also defined as: Sympathetically aware of other peoples' feelings; tolerant and forgiving.  By definition, to possess "understanding," we also possess comprehension, sympathy for others, tolerance of others, and forgiveness towards others.  So, "understanding" is pretty basic.  To have understanding is to  perceive what is indicated, grasp the significance or importance of, become conscious of, learn and infer the nature or meaning of something.  Understanding implies abilities and dispositions with respect to an object of knowledge sufficient to support what is meant for intellectual behavior.  Understanding is the limit of  conceptualization   To understand something means to have it conceptualized to a given measure.  So, if you're sitting in a Calculus class and your Calculus teacher was going through the process of finding properties of derivatives and integrals of functions by adding infinitesimal differences, and you became confused, what would you do?  Would you raise your hand and say: "I don't know?"  No, of course not.  You would raise your hand and say: "I don't UNDERSTAND."  By saying: "I don't understand," you're saying that while your Calculus teacher is going through the Calculus problem, you're not able to visualize something being verbally described, even if the teacher is writing on the black board while speaking.  You can't mentally grasp what the teacher is saying or what you are seeing on the black board.  You're not able to arrange and integrate in your mind what to do to solve the problem.  You're not able to embrace the idea of the problem and encompass in your mind on how to do the problem step-by-step.  It has nothing to do with being smart or stupid, because once your Calculus teacher explains it in a way that you CAN comprehend the problem, then you WILL have "understanding" of the Calculus problem.  And that "understanding" of the Calculus problem will lead to "knowledge" of the Calculus problem.  You see, those with understanding are able to abstract with the meaning out of information.  They "see through" the facts to the dynamics of what, how, and why. Understanding is a lens which brings the facts into crisp focus.  Understanding produces "rules of thumb" or principles.

From a Biblical perspective, "understanding" is a pretty good base to gaining "knowledge" of God's Word.  King David said in Psalm 119:34: "Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law and obey it with all my heart."  He also said in Psalm 119:73 says: "Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding to learn your commands." God Word is righteous.  He said in Psalm 119:144: "Your statutes are always righteous; give me understanding that I may live."  God's Word begins you in the right path and gives more breadth to what you are attempting to learn.  King David said in Psalm 119:32: "I run in the path of your commands, for you have broadened my understanding."  He also said in Psalm 119:130 says: "The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple."  King Solomon said in  Proverb 3:5-6 says: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."  He also said in Proverbs 15:21: "Folly brings joy to one who has no sense, but whoever has understanding keeps a straight course."  What is the greatest Understanding you can have?  Well, the "understanding" to know God and the things that are delightful to Him.  Jeremiah 9:24: "but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,' declares the Lord,"  Now, when Jesus came to Earth, during His three years of ministry, you'll notice that He didn't speak literally about the things He was teaching, did He?  He always spoke figuratively.  Jesus did not intend His teaching methods to be interpreted in the literal sense.  Not until The Last Supper with His Apostles, at least.  Figurative language always makes use of a comparison between different things.  And He knew that by appealing to the imagination, figurative language provides new ways of looking at the world.  A Godly man like Jesus always knew how communicate ideas beyond the ordinary or literal meaning of the ideas.  However, this goes far deeper the 7th grade comparisons like: Smiles, Metaphors, Personifications, or Hyperbole.  When Jesus used figurative language, He always spoke in parables.  What is a parable?  A parable is: a simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson.  Well, one day, His Apostles asked Him in Matthew 13:10: "Why do you speak to the people in parables?"  The Apostles knew that Jesus always "meant what He said," but they couldn't understand why He couldn't just "say what He meant."  And He could of simply quoted some other Scripture from The Old Testament like: Proverbs 1:6, which says: "for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise."  But Jesus did not believe He was telling parable to the "wise," did He?  Still, notice something.  When Jesus replies in Matthew 13:11, He says: "Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them."  Must have confused the Apostles a bit, since Jesus spoke in parable to everybody.  After all, it was difficult to understand what Jesus meant when He spoke, let alone already have "the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven."  He goes on in Matthew 13:12 by saying: "Whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance.  Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them."  Whoever has will be given what?  The knowledge of secrets of the kingdom of Heaven.  And whoever has it will be have an abundance.  So, whoever does not have (i.e. the knowledge of secrets of the kingdom of Heaven), even what THEY DO have will be taken away from them.  You see, in the first part, He was speaking the Apostles and all who followed Jesus.  In the second part, He was speaking of the Pharisees and Sudducees, and all who did not follow Jesus.  Lastly, He says in in Matthew 13:13-14: "This is why I speak in parables: Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand.  In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: 'You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.'"  This is, of course quoting Isaiah 6:9.  It is also quoted in Mark 4:12 and Act 28:26.  So, not only was Jesus fulfilling prophecy yet again, but He was also showing His Apostles that you can have knowledge of things, but not necessarily understand them.  The Pharisees and Sudducees of that time knew a great deal about Mosaic Law found in The Torah, but they could not understand Jesus' parables.  They were "ever hearing but never understanding."  They were "ever seeing but never perceiving."  The religious leaders had full knowledge of The Pentateuch inside and out, but they would never possess "the knowledge of the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven."  Oh, they THOUGHT they did by knowing The Law of Moses, but the Apostle Paul said it best when he said in Galatians 2:16: "know that a person is is not justified by works of the law, buy by faith in Jesus Christ.   So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified."  You see, the Apostle Paul had a goal.  And that goal was to unite Jews and Gentiles in love through the understanding (not just knowledge) of God's grace through Jesus Christ.  He said in Colossians 2:2: "My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God , namely, Christ,"  And when he mentioned: "riches of complete understanding," he wasn't speaking of material things.  It was not the riches from outside of us that he was speaking of, it was the riches from within.  King David said in Psalm 49:20: "People who have wealth but lack understanding are like the beasts that perish."  So, you could have all the money and material things one could ask for, but if you don't have God; if you don't have Jesus; if you don't have "the riches of complete understanding," you are not rich at all.  You have nothing.  King Solomon said in Ecclesiastes 7:12: "Wisdom is a shelter as money is a shelter, but the advantage of knowledge is this: Wisdom preserves those who have it."  Makes sense to me.  What about you?  And the Apostle John, who knew Jesus personally, knew that Jesus Himself would give us that "understanding," if we were truly "in Him."  He said in 1 John 5:20: "We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding so that we may know him who is true.  And we are in him who is true by being in his Son Jesus Christ.  He is the true God and eternal life."  

Now, we've already established that once you understand something, you will know it (e.g. you are very likely to remember it).  And to know something means to have knowledge of it, right?  So, how would we define knowledge as opposed to understanding?  Well, Knowledge is defined as: information and skills acquired through experience or education and the theoretical or practical understanding of a subject in total facts and information.  When you put this definition into two words, it would be: awareness and acknowledgement.  So, knowledge is not only cognition, it is recognition.  Cognition is: the mental action or process of acquiring knowledge and understanding through thought, experience, and the senses; resulting in a perception, sensation, or intuition.  That's the awareness part.  Recognition is: identification of a thing or person from previous encounters.  That's the acknowledgement part.  But there is a difference between knowledge and understanding.  To put in the simplest terms—knowledge is facts; understanding is the real meaning of the facts.  Knowledge is an act of learning which is gained mainly through education (such as books and hands-on repetition).  Understanding means confidence on a subject with the ability to use it for a specific purpose, if appropriate.  So, I might know something to be true, but do I understand why it is true and what the impact of that truth is?  Knowledge, in effect, is the accumulation of facts, myths, trivia and beliefs.  It's an all encompassing field of data that we use to live by from methods to complete a task; data to be able to plan as well as the ability to reflect on what was learnt.  By and large, the amount of knowledge we have is far greater than the amount of it we really understand.  For example, we may all know that placing a raw egg into boiling water will cook the egg, but we may not necessarily understand the process that affects the proteins in the egg.  However, a specialist who studies this process will not only learn how, but understand why.  So, in essence, "understanding" is a very deep process with great benefits, whereas simple book knowledge, rote learning or mnemonic style information occupies a very shallow level of the mind and so gives minimal benefits.  It is only when a person has learned it well enough to apply it in the moment, can "understanding" then grow from "knowledge."  

Now, what is knowledge Biblically?  Well, it all starts with the fear of the Lord.  Solomon said in Proverbs 1:7: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction."  He also said in Proverbs 2:5-6: "then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.  For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding." Isaiah 11:2 says: "The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him— the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord—"  Isaiah 33:6 says: "He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure."  Then, it continues with getting to know the Lord, for He is the One who is all-knowing.   Job 21:22 says: "'Can anyone teach knowledge to God, since he judges even the highest?"  If you are God-fearing, I think you know the answer to that.  Job goes on in Job 36:3-4 by saying: "I get my knowledge from afar; I will ascribe justice to my Maker.  Be assured that my words are not false; one who has perfect knowledge is with you."  King David said in Psalm 19:66: "Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I trust your commands."  Then, once you get to know the Lord, He begins to discipline you, so that you gain the knowledge and understanding of what He expects from us.  And, this, he does for our own good, just as when our parents discipline us.  Job 5:17 says: "'Blessed is the one whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty."  King David said in Psalm 94:12: "Blessed is the one you discipline, Lord, the one you teach from your law;"  King Solomon said in Proverbs 3:11-12: "My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in."  Similarly, he goes on to say in Proverbs 13:24: "Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them."  He also said in Proverbs 12:1: "Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid."  Revelation 3:19 says: "Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline.  So be earnest and repent."  Hebrews 12:6-11 says best when it says: "because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.'  Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father?  If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all.  Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it.  How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live!  They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness.  No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful.  Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it."   The more and more you are disciplined by the Lord God, the more and more you become self-disciplined.  The Apostle Paul said in 1 Corinthians 9:24: "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize?  Run in such a way as to get the prize."  He also said in 2 Timothy 1:7: "For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline."  And as you become more self-disciplined, you can begin to gain the Fruits of the Spirit, found in Galatians 5:22-23.  The Fruits of the Spirit is a biblical term that sums up the nine visible attributes of a true Christian life.  For example, two of the Fruits of the Spirit are: self-control and patience.  King Solomon said in Proverbs 17:27: "The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered."  He says in Proverbs 16:32: "Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city."  He said in Proverbs 25:15: "Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone."  He also said in Ecclesiastes 7:8: "The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride."  The Apostle Paul said in Colossians 3:12: "Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."  The Apostle James said in James 5:10: "Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord."  As your gain more and more of the Fruits of the Spirit, you will continue to gain, not only knowledge, but effective and productive knowledge; Godly knowledge.  The Apostle Peter said in 2 Peter 1:3: "His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness."  He continues in 2 Peter 1:5-8 by saying: "For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.  For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."  And keep in mind that godliness, for as long as you possess it with contentment; piety by virtue; manifested increasing knowledge of Jesus Christ; is of great gain to each of us.  The Apostle Paul said in 1 Timothy 6:6-7: "But godliness with contentment is great gain.  For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it."  And what is godliness?  Well, it is from the Greek word: "Eusebia."  Literally, it means "to worship well" or "to be very devout."  We might summarize it as: pious conduct done with a desire to please God.  Things pertaining to life and godliness are provided through this knowledge.  Spiritual myopia and amnesia are avoided by this knowledge.  We will never stumble if we abound in this knowledge.  However, we have to keep in mind that godliness is pious conduct done with a desire to please God.  So, unless it is for the purpose of pleasing God, all our piety is in vain.  Thus, godliness is the only true wealth worth striving for.  1 Timothy 3:16 says: "Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory."  Thus, be like-minded in Christ.  He is the unraveling of the mystery of true godliness.  

Now that we've contrast understanding from knowledge, let's contrast knowledge from wisdom.  To do that, we should look at the contrast as a mathematical equation.  Knowledge and Understanding are inter-linked.  From these forms Wisdom.  So, "Understanding" plus "Knowledge" equals "Wisdom" (i.e. U + K = W).  Wisdom is defined as: The quality of having experience, knowledge, and the soundness of an action or decision with regard to good judgment.  Aristotle, in his Metaphysics, for example, defined wisdom as: the understanding of causes.  In other words, wisdom is knowing why things are a certain way, which is deeper than "knowledge," which is merely knowing that things are a certain way.  If you are, what I like call "a Why person," you'll gain a lot of wisdom as you age.  This, of course, doesn't mean that you'll always find the answers, but that's because being "a why person" is just the tip of the iceberg when pertaining to wisdom.  Knowledge is the substance that wisdom.  Wisdom is having gained knowledge, understanding, life experience, discretion, and intuitive understanding along with a capacity to apply these qualities as well.  So, to be wise, you would have to have three qualities: sagacity, discernment, and insight.  Sagacity is: ability to evaluate with a keen sense of objective and authoritative opinion or penetrating perception.  This noun "sagacity" means that one shows a quality (higher the a polymath) being a sage.  And what is a sage?  Well, a sage is generally an antiquated word meaning an honorific person of deep mind or pound in wisdom, carrying the capacity to give advice about the management of life or spiritual and self-realizing matters.  A sage is someone who has intelligence manifested by having or showing an ability to accurately assess situations or people and turn this to one's advantage through good judgement and quick decisions.  Discernment is: the ability to judge well.  Insight is: the capacity to gain an accurate and deep intuitive understanding of a person or thing.  Biblically, discernment is simply the ability to decide between truth and error; right and wrong.  The Apostle Paul teaches teaches that it is the responsibility of every Christian to be discerning in 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 when he says: " but test them all; hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil."  The Apostle John issues a similar warning when he says in 1 John 4:1: "Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world."  According to the New Testament of The Holy Bible, discernment is not optional for the believer, it is required.  Wisdom is accumulated philosophic or scientific learning (i.e. knowledge).  Wisdom is the ability to discern inner qualities and relationships (i.e. insight).  Wisdom is the process of forming an opinion or evaluation by discerning and comparing (i.e. judgement).  Wisdom is the process of making careful distinctions in our thinking about truth (i.e. discernment).  Wisdom is the ability to see into the underlying nature of something and to discern it’s true essence; to see something for what it really is; to look past appearance into substance; to know the truth of a certain matter.  Wisdom the ability to apply your knowledge to the greater scheme of life.  It’s deeper; it's knowing the meaning or reason; about knowing why something is, and what it means to your life.  I guess you were to look at the overall picture, wisdom is our greatest mental acquirement and procurement, not to mention one of our divine gifts given by God.    

With all of this being said, I guess that next question that one would ask is: "What is the difference between knowledge and wisdom?"  The distinction knowledge and wisdom is a simple one, but one that can have a profound affect on those who practice it.  Having knowledge means to be intelligent.  Being intelligent means using your mind in the things that you do.  Your efforts are determined by your intellectual capacity.  While being wise means using your knowledge and intelligence in assessing what is going on with your heart or feelings. This process of feeling and thinking normally results to produce wisdom in whatever we do.  Our minds record what we see and hear, while the heart records all the experiences through all our senses, including seeing and hearing.  Being wise, therefore, means using both the mind and the heart in everything that we do.  Having knowledge or being intelligent means using only our minds.  They differ in its effect and they can never be the same.  Knowledge is a matter of the mind while wisdom is a matter that involves both the mind and the heart.  The heart is a matter about feelings, experiences, and emotions.  Being wise is being able to use your heart and minds in a perfect balance.  Wisdom is not just book learning, nor is it instantly obtainable.  Wisdom comes with time, experience, and the willingness to maintain an open-mind about the world and all its people.  While wisdom accumulates over the years, it requires constant filtering to remove the prejudices and bias that also accumulate, as well as constant reflection and a willingness to challenge one's own beliefs and values  occasionally.  So, the wise do not place order upon knowledge, they discern the order that is naturally within knowledge.  Knowledge is obtained, but wisdom is developed.  So, those with knowledge are able to collect, remember, and access information.  They "know" the Scriptures.  God's word is literally "in them."  But, it is possible to have knowledge and lack understanding and wisdom; to have the facts, but have no clue as to the meaning or what to do next.  Those with wisdom know which principle to apply.  They do the right thing.  In contrast, there are many who have great knowledge and understanding, but consistently do the wrong thing.  Wisdom, in this sense, is the goal, and knowledge and understanding only have eternal value as they result in wisdom, or what we end up doing.  So, say you're at a party and there's alcohol there.  Maybe you have some drinks; maybe you don't.  Doesn't really matter.  But, then, have some time you get tired and you want to go home.  And say there's a guy named: Bob there who offers you a ride home.  Sounds like a pretty nice guy, right?  But there's a problem.  He's highly intoxicated and someone walks up to you, takes you aside privately, and says: "Don't get into the car with Bob.  He's had three DUI's, has been in quite of a few fender-benders while intoxicated, and he's had his license taken away from him for a year.  He's not even legally supposed to be on the road sober, let alone intoxicated.  Just tell him that you found another ride home."  Now, you have a decision to make.  You have been given information about Bob and his past with DUI's.  You have the understanding that alcohol impairs judgement, behavior, and motor skills because it is a depressant.  You have now gained knowledge about Bob's inability to drive while intoxicated.  You may even be able to make a sound intuitive prediction that getting into the car with Bob may not end up well.  Still, the question remains: do you get into the car with Bob?  If you don't, you didn't so much as make a "smart" decision as you made "wise" decision.  You KNOW what the "smart" decision would be because it implies being quick-witted.  It implies that you have intelligence and ability to give correct responses without delay.  However, that is only at the intrinsic level.  Making the "wise" decision would imply the you had the good judgement to not get into the car.  It implies that you have the ability to make appropriate decisions, especially with limited information at hand, while taking into account the possible consequences.  So, it's not "the ABILITY to give correct responses without delay," but the RESULT of it.  

Still, we have to be careful in the kind of wisdom we gain.  There is a thing out there called "worldly wisdom."  Worldly Wisdom is: a judicious sapience of or pertaining to this world as contrasted with or God or Heaven; pertaining to the people or laity which are secular (neither ecclesiastical nor religious).  And it's not just wisdom such as: avoid becoming media addicted or be financially responsible.  It is a wisdom that is "not of God."  The Apostle Paul said in Romans 8:5: "Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires."  He goes on to say in Romans 8:7-8: "The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so.  Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God."  So if are minds are on the flesh desires, we would be considered "worldly" or "of the world."  If are minds are set on what the Spirit desires, would be considered those who has "Christ in us."  And in Romans 8:10, it says: "But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness."  Being a "Spirited Mind-set" is what will give you true wisdom, even though the rest of the world does not think so.  The Apostle Paul goes on to write in 1 Corinthians 3:18-19: "Do not deceive yourselves.  If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become 'fools' so that you may become wise.  For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight.  As it is written: 'He catches the wise in their craftiness';"  That last part is, of course, quoting Job 5:13.  To worldly people, Christians have been stigmatized with derogatory nicknames like: "Bible-thumpers," "holy rollers," or "Jesus freaks."  In other worlds, by the standards of this world, we are "fools."  So, quite wittingly, the Apostle Paul is saying that if the world says: "You're a fool!" (for being a Christian), then since we are in the world, we may as well be fools.  Why?  Because the "wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight."  So, if you wanted to be wise by the standards of this world, let yourself be a fool, for you may be wise in the sight of God.  Plus, don't forget that when it comes to the people who call us Christians "fools," keep in mind what King David said in Psalm 14:1 and 53:1, which it says: "The fool says in his heart  'There his is no God.'"  In 1 Corinthians 1:21, the Apostle Paul said: "For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe."  He then said in 1 Corinthians 2:4-7: "My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.  We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing.  No, we declare God’s wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began."  At this point, I'm sure you're wondering: "What are some characteristics of being truly wise?"  The Apostle James said in James 3:17: "But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere."  So, what are the characteristics of being "truly wise?"

Well, here are just A FEW characteristics of being "truly" wise.

• Being God-fearing: - Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.  Now, you may think: "Wait a minute!  You just said that fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.  You even quoted Scripture."  And that's true.  But I also said that Knowledge and Understanding are inter-linked and from these form Wisdom.  In addition to that, I said that Knowledge is the substance that Wisdom and that having Wisdom is having gained Knowledge, Understanding, and life experience.  Now, what do we mean when we say to "be God-fearing" or to "fear God?"  Why do we even put the word: "fear" in there?  Well, when the Holy Bible was written, "fearing" was a sign of high respect and still is in some countries.  A respectful fear is fundamental if we are to worship God acceptably.  But this fear of God, which is so essential to a meaningful life, is not the same as morbid dread.  We might feel dread if we are threatened by a cruel and dangerous criminal.  But fear of God—or godly fear—is awe and profound reverence for our Creator.  It also involves healthful fear of displeasing God because He is the Supreme Judge and the Almighty, who has both the power and the authority to punish those who disobey Him.  Now, how do you show this reverence and respect?  In Deuteronomy 10:12, it says: "And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul,"  It all written right there.  Now, how is the "fear of the Lord" related to wisdom?  King Solomon said in Proverbs 9:10: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding."  But right after saying this, King Solomon goes on to say why.  He says in Proverbs 9:11: "For through wisdom your days will be many, and years will be added to your life."  He reiterates it again in Proverbs 10:27 when he says: "The fear of the Lord adds length to life, but the years of the wicked are cut short."  King David said in Psalm 111:10 that: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding.  To him belongs eternal praise."  Notice when Wisdom is mentioned, so are Knowledge and Understanding.  Job 28:28 says: "And he said to the human race, 'The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.'"  The Prophet Isaiah said in Isaiah 33:6: "He will be the sure be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure."  Pretty amazing, isn't it?  And that's just in the Old Testament.  
• Being Humble: - Humility is definitely a big one when it comes to wisdom.  People who are wise are humble.  They have modest behavior, show selflessness, and give respect to others.  They possess meekness (one of the Seven Virtues in Christian tradition) and submissiveness.  Wise people give reverence for those who have wisdom and those who selflessly teach in love.  They give credit where credit is due, and do not unfairly glorify themselves.  They are faithful to promises, no matter how big or small they may be.  They refraining from despair and the ability to confront fear and uncertainty, or intimidation.  They appreciate the value of all things, as well as the many different ways that people and things can contribute to our world.  They are able to acknowledge their mistakes, imperfections, gaps in knowledge, and limitations.  They are open to new ideas, contradictory information, and advice.  Being humble is wise because it ensures that you respect the abilities of others rather than fearing them; the wisdom of accepting your own limitations and connecting with other people's strengths to bolster yours is infinite.  However, don't confuse humility with putting yourself down.  Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it is thinking of yourself less.  Humility is letting your accomplishments speak for themselves and not regarding yourself as more special than you are.  King Solomon said in Proverbs 11:2: "When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom."  He also said Proverbs 15:33: "Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord, and humility comes before honor."  Be Humble also means being a God-fearing person (just like we mentioned above).  Proverbs 22:4 says: "Humility is the fear of the; its wages are riches and honor and life."  
• Being Teachable: - By far, one of the best attributes of a wise person is their teachability.  They know that they don't "know it all."  They listen to good counsel.  People who are wise never stop learning along with teaching.  They are ready to learn from both God and others.  They learn from their mistakes.  Wise people are more ready to hear than to tell what they think they know.  That is, they learn to listen more and talk less.  King Solomon said in Ecclesiastes 12:9: "Not only was the Teacher wise, but he also imparted knowledge to the people.  He pondered and searched out and set in order many proverbs."  So, let's think about this a second.  What is a Proverb?  Well, a Proverb is: a short pithy saying in general, frequent, and widespread use that expresses a basic truth, piece of advice, or practical precept.  With Proverbs, you not only give advice but take it.  King Solomon said in Proverbs 13:10: "Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice." 
• Having Temperance: - Temperance mean that you have self-restraints and self-control in moderation or over something in excess (such as in as in a behavior or expression).  They have a constant mindfulness of others and one's surroundings.  They judge between actions with regard to appropriate actions at a given time.  People who are wise regulate what they feel and do, are disciplined, and control their appetites and emotions.  They forgive those who have done them wrong, accept the shortcomings of others, give people a second chance, and are never vengeful.  The Old Testament emphasizes temperance as a core virtue, as evidenced in both Solomon's Book of Proverbs and in the Ten Commandments, with its admonitions against adultery and covetousness. The New Testament does so as well, with forgiveness being central to theology and self-control being one of the Fruits of the Spirit  found in Galatians 5:22-23.  
• Showing generosity and kindness: - People who are wise show self-sacrifice and Agäpé Love.  Love, in the sense of an unlimited loving kindness towards all others, is held to be the ultimate perfection of the human spirit, because it is said to both glorify and reflect the nature of God.  Such love is self-sacrificial.  They show empathy and trust without prejudice or resentment.  They show unselfish love and voluntary kindness without bias or spite.  The having positive outlooks and cheerful demeanor; to inspire kindness in others.  They show loyalty, integrity, friendship, and compassion for its own sake.  King David said in Psalms 112:5: "Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice."  King Solomon said in Proverbs 11:25: "A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed."  
• Being Patient - People who are wise have forbearance and endurance through moderation.  They can endure difficult circumstances (either in the face of delay or provocation) without acting on annoyance or anger.  They can exhibit forbearance when under strain, especially when faced with longer-term difficulties.  They resolve conflicts and injustices peacefully, as opposed to resorting to violence.  They accept the grace to forgive; to show mercy towards sinners.  People who are patient create a sense of peaceful stability.  They refrain from being distracted and influenced by hostility or corruption.  King Solomon said in Proverbs 19:11: "A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense."  He also said in Ecclesiastes 7:8: "The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride."  The Apostle Paul said in 1 Thessalonians 5:14: "And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone."  The Apostle James said in James 5:7-8: "Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming.  See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains.  You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near."  
• Being Prudent - People who are wise are careful about their choices, do not taking undue risks, and do not say or do things that might later be regretted.  They discipline themselves by the use of reason.  They possess the tendency to avoid uncertain situations where negative payoff may ensue, and opposed to impulsivity (e.g. through Delayed Gratification).  They take a foresighted stance toward their personal future, thinking and caring about it, planning for it, and holding long-term goal and aspirations.  They show a style of thinking about everyday life choices that is reflective, deliberate, and practical.  King Solomon said in Proverbs 8:5: "You who are simple, gain prudence; you who are foolish, set your hearts on it."  He also said in Proverbs 14:15: "The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps."  

So, we know what true, godly wisdom is.  We know how it compares and contrasts with knowledge and understanding.  And we know what the traits for people who are truly wise.  So, I suppose the final question on everyone's mind is: "What do we have to do to get true wisdom?"  Well, you do get wisdom through "life experience," as I've mentioned.  And many would say: with age comes wisdom, right?  And it's true.  I'm more wise now than I was 20 years ago.  And I'll probably be more wise 20 years from than I am today.   Job 12:2 says: "Is not wisdom found among the aged?  Does not long life bring understanding?"  Job 32:3 says: "I thought, 'Age should speak; advanced years should teach wisdom.'"   Now, please, don't confuse being wise with being an Opsimath.  An opsimath can refer to: a person who begins, or continues, to study or learn late in life (kind of like King Solomon did).  The word is derived from the Greek ὀψέ (opse), (meaning "late" and μανθάνω (manthano), (meaning "learn").  In a sense, you could say that the Magi (i.e. The Wise Men) were opsimaths.  Notable opsimaths include: Sir Henry Rawlinson, the fictitious character Sir Henry Rawlinson, Grandma Moses, mathematician Paul Erdős (who published papers up until his death), and Cato the Elder who learned Greek at the age of 80.  In general, you can think of an opsimath as a polymath who is "advanced in age" or simply "an old polymath."  But even pagans can develop "worldly" wisdom through life experiences (good or bad) as they age.  Plus, also keep in mind that it's not so much the wisdom that evolves throughout your life, but the type of person you become as a result of it.  For example, has life rendered you sympathetic or embittered?  Are you an optimist, a realist, or a pessimist due to your life experiences?  Do you see your life as a series of triumphs or fiascoes?  You see, life is full of subjective experiences that are unique to the individual.  Some you many ask: "How about reading the Holy Bible on a regular basis?"  Well, it certainly wouldn't hurt to do so.  In fact, it would help a great deal.  But the answer is even simpler than THAT.  You are you ready for the answer?...  Just like Salvation, all you have to do is: ask.  Seems a little TOO simple, doesn't it?  But Jesus said, during the Sermon on the Mount, in Matthew 7:7-8 and in Luke 11:9: "'Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened."  While Jesus was comforting His Apostles, He said to them in John 14:13-14: "And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.  You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it."  In John 16:23, Jesus said that His Father (God) would give you anything you ask in His (Jesus') name.  This includes wisdom.  The Apostle James said in James 1:5: "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."  How?  King Solomon said in Proverbs 2:6: "For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding."  Let's look at King Solomon, for example.  In 1 Kings 10:23 and 1 Chronicles 9:22, it says: "King Solomon was greater in riches and wisdom than all the other kings of the earth."  Why is that?  Well, one night, at Gibeon, the Lord appeared to King Solomon and said to him: "Ask for whatever you want me to give you." (1 Kings 3:5 and 2 Chronicles 1:7).  King Solomon could have asked for ANYTHING the world had to offer.  But instead, he asked for something that most people wouldn't think of.  King Solomon said to the Lord that "you have made your servant king in place of my father David," but told the Lord that he was only a child and he did not know how to carry out his father's duties (1 Kings 3:7).  He also told the Lord that He had "shown great kindness to David my father " (2 Chronicles 1:8) "because he was faithful to you and righteous and upright in heart." (1 Kings 3:6).  King Solomon asked for "wisdom and knowledge," (2 Chronicles 1:10) and "a discerning heart" (1 Kings 3:9) so that he would be able to lead and govern God's people (just as King David had).  Well, this pleased God very much!  It says in 1 King 3:11-13: "So God said to him," ''Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, I will do what you have asked.  I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be.  Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for—both wealth and honor—so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings."  Similarly, it says in 2 Chronicles 1:11-12: "God said to Solomon, 'Since this is your heart’s desire and you have not asked for wealth, possessions or honor, nor for the death of your enemies, and since you have not asked for a long life but for wisdom and knowledge to govern my people over whom I have made you king, therefore wisdom and knowledge will be given you.  And I will also give you wealth, possessions and honor, such as no king who was before you ever had and none after you will have." Now, am I saying that if you asked for wisdom that He would give you everything your heart desires, including wisdom?  No, of course not!  You see, it wasn't just what King Solomon asked for that impressed God, it was the reasons he asked for them.  God saw "goodness" in King Solomon, which is another of the nine Fruits of the Spirit.  Goodness means: (1.) the thing fulfills its purpose or the expectations for something (i.e. the expectations of God), (2.) an aspect of morality (which is defined by God), (3.) And the purpose or expectation that involves some form of benefit (the benefit of God people as well as King Solomon).  However, like all of the kings before and after him, King Solomon wasn't perfect.  In fact, at one time or another all sin "and fall short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23).  You see, the Fruits of the Spirit must continually be cultivated.  We do not produce them once for all time.  We need to sow to the Spirit continually so goodness will be expressed in our lives instead of the old selfish qualities.  And as you see in 1 Kings 11:1-6, Solomon had seven hundred wives and three hundred concubines who led him astray from God, because Solomon began to follow other gods and built places for his wives and concubines to worship these gods.  It says: "As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the Lord his God, as the heart of David his father had been.  He followed Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, and Molek the detestable god of the Ammonites.  So Solomon did evil in the eyes of the Lord; he did not follow the Lord completely, as David his father had done."  And in 1 Kings 11:9-10, it says: "The Lord became angry with Solomon because his heart had turned away from the Lord, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice.  Although he had forbidden Solomon to follow other gods, Solomon did not keep the Lord’s command."  So, like King Saul, his kingdom was taken away from him.  But unlike King Saul, he kingdom was not taken way until King Solomon had died.  The kingdom that was brought together by King David was now divided after King Solomon's death.  King Solomon learned toward the end of his life that not all knowledge and wisdom is good (e.g. the knowledge and wisdom of false gods).  In fact, King Solomon went so far to say in Ecclesiastes 1:8: "For with much wisdom comes much sorrow; the more knowledge, the more grief."  However, when you look at the BIG picture, you would see that all of it was not due to a lack of knowledge, understanding, or wisdom; it was a lack of obedience.  It was a direct rebellion against God, because it went against the first two Commandments.  The lesson we can learn from this is: we should keep our eyes, minds, and hearts on what pleases the Lord our God, instead of the world.  

All in all, knowledge, wisdom and understanding are all valuable and all have a place in our lives. The difficulty lies in the fact that many of us are unclear as to their differences, often perceiving the terms and their application to be interchangeable.  Being clear and consciously aware of how our minds are engaged may be important to getting the most out of all three. While acquiring and applying information is valuable in and of itself, we also need to distill and judge that information, and ultimately find the deeper meaning and relevance to the whole of our lives.