James 3:13 KJV
[13] “Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.”
Knowledge enables us to know things in part, but wisdom enables us to put those things together. For example, a man can be a genius, have a photographic memory, master computer skills, and have many intellectual abilities, but he may struggle to complete simple tasks in life. He has knowledge, but he lacks wisdom.
A knowledgeable man may speak many words but never say anything worth hearing. On the other hand, a man with wisdom may have limited knowledge, but he always has something valuable to say. Wisdom comes from God and gives us the ability to apply truth to daily life.
A wise man is known for his words and his lifestyle. James says he shows it out of a good conversation. He does not have to try to impress men with how much he knows or what he says, but he allows his life to speak for him. The Bible tells us that if we lack wisdom we should ask God for it. He freely gives it to all who will seek His face. That should be the daily prayer of every believer. We need wisdom to live and do the will of God.
The Bible says that “knowledge puffeth up!” Wisdom comes forth out of a meek spirit. Pride is never found in wisdom but is often displayed in knowledge. We have all heard men speak, and while it was clear that they were very knowledgeable, it was also evident that pride had overshadowed their knowledge. Knowledge can be obtained by the work of man, but wisdom is imparted by God. Wisdom will keep a man humble and always reliant on his Father. Wisdom will minister to others and strengthen their spiritual walk. Remember that wisdom is the principal thing in life!