What is the difference between wisdom and understanding. Proverbs 4:7 tell us to get wisdom then get understanding.
Understanding is the act of knowing something. Maybe you have understanding about a certain situation. You know all the facts, you know all the parties involved. You understand the words that were said. You understand the actions that were taken. Wisdom is knowing what to do with that information.
We like to watch the movie “Angry Birds” with my granddaughter. There is a scene where the birds are asking the “Mighty Eagle” to give them wisdom. He informs them that wisdom is not something that is acquired, it is something that is attained.
This is somewhat true. James 1:5 says, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all [men] liberally, and upbraided not; and it shall be given him.” The Amplified version explains it this way, “If any of you lacks wisdom [to guide him through a decision or circumstance], he is to ask of [our benevolent] God, who gives to everyone generously and without rebuke or blame, and it will be given to him.”
When I watch the news or scroll through social media I see a lot of people with a lot of understanding. Everybody has an opinion. Everybody thinks their opinion is the correct one. Everybody thinks the way they look at the situation is the only way to see it. I see a lot of comments, a lot of fingers pointing, a lot of ugliness. What I do not see a lot of is wisdom.
Wisdom gives us the ability to hold our tongue when we feel the need to speak. Wisdom keeps us from commenting on every post we do not agree with. Wisdom gives us the ability to take our thoughts and opinions to the Lord. He will tell us when to speak and when to stay silent.
Understanding is great and it is good when you understand what is going on around you. What I have found is that having wisdom is better. Sometimes it is better to be the wise person in the room. Wisdom will keep you grounded and calm.
I am grateful that we live in America where we have the ability to freely speak our mind. My prayer for us this week is that we would seek the Lord for Godly wisdom of knowing when to take advantage of the right to speak and when to stay silent.
