Knowledge and Wisdom (Originally posted on Facebook Sep 22, 2013)

In life we are encouraged to gain knowledge and be wise. I believe this is a two part system that needs to happen for us to fully gain the benefits that follow both edicts. Knowledge is information that we gather throughout our lives through experiences, trials, learning, reading, watching others, and various methods. Knowledge is the first part and it is all about obtaining something. This is not where it ends, though. I have known a lot of people that have a lot of knowledge and who I would not call wise because they haven't made the effort to engage in the second part of this idea. That is to be wise. This entails an action, moving, putting forth effort. For wisdom can only come when we take the knowledge we have gathered and put it into action. I could learn all there is to know about something and it wouldn't benefit me anything if I don't utilize the information that is there. I think this is why most of the time we find wisdom in older people. They have had the time to gather the knowledge, but more importantly they are using this knowledge in their lives. I believe peace can come when we begin to take the knowledge we have and put it to use in appropriate and helpful ways, which then leads us to be wise. There is a great amount of joy that can be had by sharing this wisdom which again, means to take action. I would hope that as I continue to go through this journey of life I never stop the process of gaining knowledge and increasing the amount of information I have available to put into practice and becoming more wise with each day. I also pray for the humility to remember that wisdom can come from the mouth of babes and not just those with a lot of knowledge.