Now there are varieties of gifts but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. To one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit…

ICorinthians 12:4-9, NRSV

Knowledge: knowing that a tomato is a fruit.

Wisdom: knowing not to put it in a fruit salad…

It’s easy to mistake knowledge for wisdom, to mistake someone who knows a great deal with someone who has the ability to foster life and love in daily living. Knowledge, even and perhaps especially Biblical or theological knowledge, can be applied in ways that bring the peace of God closer; it can also be used to inflict damage and incite hatred. Acts of terror, even genocide, have been committed in the name of faith, with perpetrators justifying their actions with Biblical quotes and theological justifications.

Wisdom is a perspective, an understanding; it is knowing that all good things are rooted in love – love for God, love for self, and love for neighbor. When wisdom guides knowledge, amazing and beautiful things come to pass.

Listen to those whose knowledge is vast; let them add depth to your understanding. But don’t forget that knowledge requires wisdom to keep it from harming God’s beloved creation and creatures.