Every home a school and every parent a teacher has become the new norm because of the pandemic. For a brief period, children were happy for an escape from regular school, until online teaching changed a playroom or bedroom into a classroom.
Parents today are worried about their children’s education during the lockdown – Will they be able to learn as much from home? Will my child get the needed attention of the teacher virtually? There is a fear of inadequacy of the knowledge being imparted through these mediums.
But there is an even more profound thing we should concern ourselves with. Is knowledge the most essential need in one’s life, or, is it wisdom? What’s the difference between the two?
Knowledge is gathered from learning and education, while wisdom is gathered from day-to-day experiences. Knowledge is merely having clarity of facts and truths, while wisdom is the practical ability to make consistently good decisions in life. Wisdom is built upon knowledge.
Albert Einstein once said, “Wisdom is not a product of schooling”. Yes, we need knowledge that’s acquired in school. Equally or perhaps more important is wisdom, which is one of life’s essential ingredients. Each of us needs the wisdom to make crucial decisions that consequently shape our lives.
Our educational systems have limitations and they primarily impart knowledge. But there is a supreme source of wisdom we can look to. The Bible says “The fear of the LORD is beginning of wisdom”. The meaning of ‘fear’ here is ‘affectionate reverence’. When we love God, we hate evil and we make wise decisions in accordance with his will.
The Bible also says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him”. So, would you reach out to the One who can make you wise?
What, in your opinion, is the difference between knowledge and wisdom? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section.
