By Manuel M. Melgoza (November 12, 2025)

If we strive to accumulate knowledge, will we simultaneously acquire wisdom? If not, of what value is knowledge alone? How can we attain both wisdom and knowledge?

The saddest aspect of life right now is that science gathers knowledge faster than society gathers wisdom. Isaac Asimow

Knowledge and wisdom, far from being one, have oft-times no connection. Knowledge dwells in heads replete with thoughts of other men; wisdom in minds attentive to their own. William Cowper

Wisdom is the right use of knowledge. To know is not to be wise. Many men know a great deal, and are all the greater fools for it. There is no fool so great a fool as a knowing fool. But to know how to use knowledge is to have wisdom. Charles Spurgeon

Where did the above thought-leaders derive these insights? Why should it matter? Let’s see what the Scriptures have to say?

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. (Proverbs 9:10) The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. (Psalm 111:10) If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. (James 1:5) Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. (Colossians 2:2-3) The Holy Scriptures are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 3:15)

From these passages, we know that wisdom has its source in the Almighty God, and it is attainable from and through Him. How can we know that what we attain is genuine wisdom?

Many people, including beloved family members of mine, proudly adopt as personal anthems what they hear on the public airwaves. For example, consider the lyrics of a best-selling song from years past: “I Did it My Way,” made famous by Frank Sinatra. In the song, he reflects near the end of his life with the proud accomplishment of having lived his life his way. Is this life experience wisdom? Do we really want to live our way or God’s way? One cannot serve two masters. (Matthew 6:24) Then, what are wisdom’s recognizable qualities?

The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. (James 3:17)

“I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence; I possess knowledge and discretion. . . hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech. Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have insight, I have power . . . I walk in the way of righteousness,. . . along the paths of justice.” (Proverbs 8:12-20)

Because of Him, you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption. (1 Corinthians 1:30)

My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. (Proverbs 2:1-5)

It follows that, when we attain wisdom from the Lord, and put it into practice, we will be rewarded with more wisdom and knowledge, and ultimately united in and with God. “But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop. No one lights a lamp and hides it in a clay jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, they put it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light. . .  Therefore consider carefully how you listen. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they think they have will be taken from them.” (Luke 8:15-18)