Though often used interchangeably, there are in fact some critical differences between the words Understanding, Knowledge, and Wisdom. Yes, they share a few key components, but when used correctly, they are meant to be applied differently.

In the Old Testament, there’s a handy verse in Exodus 31 that features all three words. The context is of the building of the Holy Tabernacle and the sacred objects stored inside…

And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship

(Exodus 31:3)

God is talking about the people He has selected from the Israelite camp to construct the Tabernacle and the furniture to be placed within. He says He has chosen those who have…

WISDOM

The word basically means “good experience.” This is the kind of person who knows things without having to look it up in a book or ask someone for help. This is a person who has been around long enough that he “just knows” how things work and what things mean.

God also says He’s selected people with…

UNDERSTANDING

This word basically means “good learning.” This is the kind of person who knows things because he took the time to look it up or maybe ask someone for help ahead of time. This is a person who studies diligently in order to ensure what he does is right.

Finally, God says He’s selected people with…

KNOWLEDGE

This word basically means “good awareness.” This is the kind of person who just has a knack for figuring things out on the fly. This is a person who can observe something from all angles, catching things that another novice might miss, making him able to accomplish the task even without much experience beforehand.

The men in question who were tasked with creating the Tabernacle were, according to Moses’ writing, given those three characteristics by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Of course, that’s getting them the easy way. Getting them the hard way is something that has to be developed naturally, and though these three things can and do often overlap, they are not the same and one is not any better than the other. It would be wrong for an experienced wise man to look down on someone who learns by reading; they both learned and one method of learning isn’t superior. Likewise, neither should disregard the talents of the one possessing intrinsic knowledge, even if he lacks the years-in-training or sufficient book-learning that the others might have.

The person with years of experience might fall into the sin of pride and start to think his opinions are always right just because they are his opinions. Older preachers sometimes fall into this trap: Just because you’ve thought and taught something for a long time doesn’t make it so. Only the Word of God is true, and when measured up against your years of experience, you fall short every time.

On the other hand, a person who is well-read might come to believe something is true just because a seemingly well-researched book (not the Bible) said so. Younger preachers sometimes fall into this trap: Just because a smart guy wrote it, doesn’t make it right. Only the Word of God is right, and when measured up against the conclusions of men, human conclusions fall short every time.

And then there’s the person with good instincts. Be careful not to become too comfortable with your first guess or the feeling in your “gut.” You might have a knack for figuring things out, but the ways of God will always be one step ahead of you; you’re not infallible. The New Testament talks frequently about people who deceived themselves because they couldn’t see past their own egos.

There are a lot of similarities between knowledge, wisdom, and understanding, but the Bible treats them as three different blessings given by God and developed over time. As with everything in our possession, it’s up to us to use and develop those blessings as an offering to the Lord, and not abuse them with sin.

~ Matthew