In a reality show I watched recently, there was one obviously bright young lady. She was articulate and had a large vocabulary and understanding of the world. Society would label her as smart. Good grades, big words, knowledge of many subjects – that is what the word smart means to many people.

When I took my introduction to education class in college, I remember the professor explaining the difference between smart and wise. You might have much book knowledge and the ability to retain and recall many facts. Look at the folks who compete on Jeopardy. I think the kids on the college tournament would smoke me.

Wisdom is a different story. It is the ability to apply the knowledge you have. When you learn something, you know how to use that knowledge. It isn’t an empty memorization of facts. I know people who are very, very wise. They have more wisdom in their pinkies than I have in all of my body.

The Bible says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding.” Psalm 1[11:10].

The Lord commended Solomon for choosing wisdom over riches. “God said to Solomon, “Since this is your heart’s desire and you have not asked for wealth, riches 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.”

How do you view knowledge and wisdom?