Proverbs 9:10, emphasizes that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. We discuss the distinction between knowledge and wisdom, highlighting how true understanding comes from applying our knowledge through godly choices. Drawing from personal experiences, we reflect on the journey of a passionate young believer eager to deepen his biblical knowledge for the sake of evangelism.

We’ll explore why wisdom matters in our daily lives and how it enables us to make choices that honor God, leading to fulfillment and purpose. By soaking our minds in Scripture and our hearts in prayer, we can trust our instincts as they align with God’s guidance.

Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! How do you differentiate between knowledge and wisdom in your life? What practices help you cultivate wisdom? Share your thoughts with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. Let’s support one another as we strive to live wisely!

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Full Transcript Below:

Knowing the Wise Choice and Living Wisely

By Keri Eichberger

The [reverent] fear of the LORD [that is, worshiping Him and regarding Him as truly awesome] is the beginning and the preeminent part of wisdom [its starting point and its essence], And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding and spiritual insight. (Proverbs 9:10 AMP)

I’ve been undeservingly blessed with a Jesus loving son. And I’ll gratefully admit, this is the greatest gift a parent could ask for. In fact, all five of my kids claim to truly love the Lord. But my son specifically has been going on and on lately about his passion to gain biblical knowledge. Claiming he wants to know more, so he can share more. To disciple the lost. To evangelize and save souls. And what an admirable desire no doubt. But something started to strike me along his mission for knowledge, that I couldn’t help but ever so tenderly approach him with my observation. It was this: knowledge is necessary, but it is wisdom that gives understanding and life to the information we consume. Wisdom means so much more. Wisdom helps us make choices with what we know. Knowledge without wise choice and action may get us nowhere.  

Not so coincidentally, our church began a sermon series on wisdom at the introduction of Will’s newfound passion. Of course he was beyond excited, under the assumption that wisdom equals knowledge, while I was excited for his opportunity to begin understanding the difference allowing him to better live out his calling. I was also looking forward to growing in my own understanding, so before the series took off, a quick Google search landed me on a helpful perspective of differences. Crossway.com shared:  “‘knowledge’ tends to focus on correct understanding of the world and oneself as creatures of the magnificent and loving God, while ‘wisdom’ is the acquired skill of applying that knowledge rightly, or ‘skill in the art of godly living’.”

I found this very insightful. And considering I’ve valued wisdom more and more as I’ve grown  in faith, and the Bible devotes an entire book to the subject in the book of Proverbs, I suppose we should probably all have our ears perked and eager to dive into the importance of wisdom. 

But why should wisdom really matter so much? 

In general, I believe as christians we want to gain wisdom, apply “godly” knowledge rightly, and make wise “godly” choices, because this is how we honor and glorify God. But on a personal level I’ve noticed, making wise godly choices, choices in line with God’s plan for our lives, opens the door to fruitfulness and fulfillment. And don’t we all deeply desire the purpose that comes from fruitfulness and fulfillment in our lives? I sure do.

Well, how exactly do we walk in wisdom? How can we be confident we are making wise choices that lead to glorifying God, to fruitfulness, and fulfillment?

I bet you’ve wondered what choice to make or path to take at some point. Yes? We might be all filled up on facts and knowledge, but sometimes we question how to apply it to our specific seasons or situations. 

In between the two sermons on wisdom, our pastor released a podcast to dive into some specifics of what wisdom looks like when lived out. And there was something said in regards to our ability to make wise choices that sat with me. It was along these lines: “You should know the wise choice to make when your mind is soaked in scripture and your heart is soaked in prayer. In which case, follow your gut, because it is God who has formed your gut.”

I absolutely love this. Keep in mind this is not just a worldly instruction to follow your gut. But, when God’s word is filling our head, and when we have connection and communion with him in our hearts, we can trust the choices the spirit lays on us.

Psalm 16:11 says, “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”  

Mind soaked in scripture. Heart soaked in prayer and the presence of Jesus. And we will know the path of life—know the wise choices. And it will bring joy, purpose, fruitfulness, fulfillment, and eternal pleasures.

Intersecting Faith and Life:

Let’s remember that growing in wisdom matters. And let’s remember today to stay close to God’s word and his presence, which enables us to live wise godly lives. Which allows us to make wise choices that align with God’s plan for our life. And in this wise living we will fulfill our purpose to glorify and honor God. We will find a path to increases of fruitfulness, an even greater sense of joy and purpose, and a more fulfilling future.

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