I have found it interesting to discover many verses in the Bible make reference to wisdom, knowledgeand understanding all in the same passage.
These three words have different meanings, but the Scriptures point out they build on each other. It says Understanding comes from learning God’s Word. Knowledge comes from the experiences and skills God provides to us, and Wisdom comes from an accumulation of the understanding and knowledge we receive over time.
All three traits, however, ultimately come from God. As Proverbs 2:6 teaches, “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”
Understanding. The Hebrew meaning of this word has been defined as, “perceptive insight with the ability to judge.” It was my time in God’s Word that enabled me to realize the perils of this choice and to gain understanding of the situation, resulting in a better solution.
Job 28:28 teaches, “Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; And to depart from evil is understanding.” To gain understanding we need to use our senses to listen and observe. But, the ability to judge appropriately comes from understanding God’s Word.
Knowledge comes from God, through the experiences, skills, talents and gifts He provides, allowing us to confront in life – provided we’re humble enough to learn.
Provers 1:7 teaches, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Fear of the Lord – reverential awe – provides the humility necessary to gain knowledge and excel later.
Wisdom emerges out of the knowledge and understanding we gain over the years. When we have made enough mistakes, the knowledge gained enables us to have wisdom. You could say the application of wisdom is strategic, while knowledge is more tactical.
Applying the lessons we’ve learned over time provides a pathway for us to gain wisdom, but once again it requires humility. As Proverbs 9:10 sums it up, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”
Knowledge of God and His ways are not enough. Even the devil knows God and His desires. It is from Hod that these traits draws their ultimate power, lifting our minds and souls to a better understanding of what desires in our lives.
It is crucial to spend time in God’s word, especially reading the words in red. As we come to know His scripture, we begin to understand. As as we grow in understanding, we begin to apply these words and teaching into our life and thoughts. And, there grows wisdom. We avoid the near occasion of sin and use that time instead to draw nearer to God.