If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault.

— James 1:5

The highest degree a person can earn in a field of study is a doctorate. But education is not a true measure of wisdom. There are lots of foolish people with doctoral degrees, and there are many uneducated men and women who are wise.Wisdom is not the same as academic learning. Wisdom not only understands many things but also knows how to interpret what it senses and how to use that knowledge wisely.Wisdom is a way of life, while knowledge can be little more than a collection of data. Computer programs can store more data than our brains can. But a computer cannot be wise. Wisdom is not mere knowledge. It also involves “know-how.”In the book of Proverbs, wisdom is personified as a perfect woman who brings life, peace, and blessing for all who seek her. When you find wisdom, you will know what to say and how best to think and live. You will discern how things came to be. You will understand what is right and how to avoid wrongdoing.Why would anyone be content with ignorance or foolishness when they could have the beautiful gifts of wisdom? Wisdom is found in hearing God’s Word, reflecting deeply on its teachings, and learning from other believers who are wise.True wisdom leads to the true God. Jesus said, “No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). True wisdom finds the source of all wisdom.

Lord, thank you for the gift of wisdom. Help us to follow Jesus, who shows us the way of true wisdom and leads us to eternal life with you. Amen.