We need both Knowledge and Wisdom

What’s the difference?

Did you consider there is a difference between Knowledge and Wisdom? I will start with the definition for the two words and go from there.

 Knowledge:.

facts, information, and skills acquired by a person through experience or education; the theoretical or practical understanding of a subject.

If you want to knit a sweater, (my hobby) it is very important to acquire information before starting out. Actual, concrete materials and facts are needed to accomplish the task. Getting these first is helpful.

Where does Wisdom come in? We talked about this in the last post, What do you want if you ask for wisdom and I gave this definition: 

 the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment; the quality of being wise

Let’s go back to the knitting example. If I want to knit that sweater, I may have knowledge concerning the needed amount of yarn, needles, and even a pattern for a beautiful sweater, but if I don’t know how to put it all together (wisdom), the knowledge and tools may stay in the bag, sweater undone.   

Difference in art when looking at knowledge and wisdom

As a creative, I also wanted to see if there was a creative difference used when describing these two words. As you examine the next photos, what difference do you see?

When I google searched, these images represent Knowledge. They were either stacks of books, people gaining factual information, or scientific tidbits. Many other photos contained sharp lines in describing this word.

Wisdom photos seem different, softer and less chaotic. Each photo usually had one person, an animal, or contained a nature scene. If the person was reading, they looked peaceful. Even the stack of books had softer backgrounds appearing serene..

Pause and reflect how you interpret this difference.

Knowledge without wisdom?

 Life since May 25 has been another step beyond the new normal. Even though I live in Northern Minnesota, just the knowledge of such cruel, unfair treatment caused an eruption like a volcano. The flow spread miles and miles. Countries all over the world expressed protests in reaction to the death of a man that, before the 25th, was hardly known. 

What is our responsibility in this time of racial uncertainty? As creatives and artists, how do we respond? How do we take in facts we are receiving and respond with wisdom as the Poiema of God?

Wisdom with Knowledge

³ All praise goes to God, Father of our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One. He is the Father of compassion, the God of all comfort. ⁴ He consoles us as we endure the pain and hardship of life so that we may draw from His comfort and share it with others in their own struggles..

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Voice

If you don’t know the answers to these questions, confession is a step to wisdom. When I am willing to confess I just do not know, I can ask God for the Knowledge and Wisdom that will open my heart to receive what is needed. As creatives, we can be a voice that reflects God’s Heart and Pain, but unless we are willing to step back, confess our lack, we will have no room to take in needed knowledge or wisdom

Ask God to be better than a clanging gong. 

Knowledge is hearing the facts. Wisdom is where one receives facts and then asks God what is the best way to go further with those facts. “If you have lots of knowledge, but do not use it wisely or show this knowledge through love, seriously, what good is it?” (I Corinthians 13)

The crisis during the weeks since Mr, Floyd’s murder has revealed a serious hole in my knowledge. I do not have answers, but I am seeking to gain knowledge and wisdom and show it in love,

Since writers gain by reading, I would like to offer a list of black authors for your summer read:

 Ten influential black authors 

 Feel free to copy and paste it on your fridge. Pick one or two for a possible book study with family and friends. Let me know how that goes. As you read, allow yourself to go deeper than gaining information concerning the novel.  Permit your world to open and receive wisdom about life.

How does Knowledge and Wisdom help your creativity?

The input to your mind and soul will affect the output of your creativity and life. In the same way, the output of your creativity will affect the input into someone else’s mind and soul. We cannot change the world, but we can stop and listen.

God wants to share with you (even through others). Receive this knowledge, then slow down to Reflect upon it. Next, ask God to transform the tools you received into His Wisdom and Respond as you CONTINUE TO CREATE.