Knowledge, wisdom, understanding...all words that are super similar, but what's the marking difference?
Knowledge comes first. It is being familiar with the facts, truths, or principles after studying something. Knowledge is a great thing to have. But what makes knowledge valuable is putting it to use. Which leads to wisdom.
Wisdom is having knowledge and knowing how to put it to use. I love dictionaries, and here is the Oxford definition that I really like, "experience and knowledge together with the power of applying them". When I think of wisdom, I think of old people. They have learned the things the know and mastered those things through experience. I believe we can gain wisdom by learning from other people and taking in their counsel. By that I don't only mean your grandparents, I also mean the scriptures. The people who wrote the scriptures were real people, plus they were inspired of God. And who isn't more wise than God himself?
Along with wisdom comes understanding. Proverbs 4:7 says, "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding." Understanding, to me, is more of a gift. It is using wisdom to get the bigger picture, to accept multiple points of view, and make use of both sides of a story. Understanding is what our politics lack. If we only understood both sides and found a way to balance them out, we'd be so much better off. Here's a story from my life where understanding became a huge blessing. A couple of weeks ago I was given the wonderful opportunity to attend Girls' State. While there, a girl who belongs to the Roman Catholic church asked me many questions concerning my beliefs. Because I grew up in predominately Roman Catholic countries, I understand her religion very well. Because of my understanding, I was able to relate her religion to mine and make connections. Although I do not necessarily agree with all the doctrine of the Catholic church, I understand that many of it is correct and coincides with my beliefs. How do we become understanding? Doctrine and Covenants 90:15, "And set in order the churches, and study and learn, and become acquainted with all good books, and with languages, tongues, and people." We gain understanding by studying a variety of subjects, making our knowledge very broad. This way we can relate more easily and understand both sides of a subject.
Have you ever sat there, trying to think deep thoughts and before you know it you're thinking about the difference between llamas and alpacas, or the cute boy you saw today, or what's for dinner? That happens to me a lot. I want to just sit and think, but my mind travels too quickly. Well, today I realized that when I'm talking and sharing my thoughts, that is when more thoughts come and I explore more deeply. Have you ever realized there are scriptures telling us to teach and to talk about what we are thinking? D&C 88:77-78. Word. "Teach ye diligently...that you may be instructed more perfectly..." That's why we are supposed to bear our testimonies. Because when we are teaching, we learn for ourselves. Going back to the story about Girls' State, one of the questions I remember best that she asked was about Joseph Smith. I told the story of the First Vision and the events that went on before and after. I don't know if my friend was touched, but I was so touched by how strong my testimony was and how much I truly do know that Joseph Smith was truly visited by God and His Son, Jesus Christ. Bearing my testimony to my friend helped me strengthen my testimony.
So that is my interpretation of knowledge, wisdom, and understanding. They all are very intertwined and connected, and all come as a result of having one and expanding on it.
Go out there and bear your testimony. Find a friend who you can converse with and share your thoughts. (I'll be that friend!)
kirsten harmony johnson
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