Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit; wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
Knowledge is different than wisdom (see above). In true confession, I have the tension between knowledge and wisdom playing out in my kitchen right now.
I grew tomatoes again this year. Normally, that is a wonderful thing. However, I changed strategies this spring without much thought. As a result, there are exceedingly and abundantly more tomatoes on my kitchen counter than I could hope or imagine.
I have a decent working knowledge of tomatoes and what they need to thrive. However, just because I have the knowledge doesn’t mean I used wisdom when planting this spring. Now as I look at the overflowing mountain of red, ripe goodness and try to decide what to do with it all, I see much clearer. Wisdom would have been to stick with the number I normally plant! Granted, no one could foresee a banner summer for tomatoes. It is wonderful to have a lot of fruit, but right now, my overrun kitchen is more of a burden than a blessing.
In today’s passage we again see King Solomon grappling with knowledge and wisdom. There is considerable practical insight throughout our reading. In Ecclesiastes 10 we read “When you dig a well, you might fall in… When you work in a quarry, stones might fall and crush you…”
The question is why would God include such fundamental wisdom in his Word? What is it about the character of God that these types of details matter to him?
Is it possible that the same God who created all the beauty and systems around us also cares about the day-to-day issues we face? Don’t fall into the well – you may get hurt and not be able to be all I dreamed for you! “Remember: The duller the axe the harder the work (Ecclesiastes 10:10 MSG).” Also, My plan isn’t for you to be exhausted all the time. Use good tools at your disposal.
Our time here is full of uncertainty. We just don’t know how a situation will impact our lives. Because life is uncertain, we need knowledge and skill to get through. However, wisdom is even more important. By God’s generosity we can find what we need in his Word. Admittedly, God didn’t inspire Solomon to mention “don’t plant too many tomatoes in your garden.” But, after reading the passages today I do think it is implied.
Take a moment to pause and ask God:
LORD, are there areas in my life where you have wisdom for me, and I am not paying attention? Please show me.
Write down the things that come to mind and ask God for help with those areas.
Let’s pray: LORD, I know you have places where you want me to grow and learn. Please speak to me through your Word and through people I trust about how to walk faithfully in your ways. I ask for your help as I try to walk in wisdom. Thank you for your guidance and love. AMEN