The word "Proverb" biblically is a “briefly stated, time-tested insight into real life.” This month, we will read many “one-liners” of truth. It is a lot, but it is also some of the most applicable truths we will ever read.
While reading Proverbs, it's important to know the difference between these four words we will encounter throughout the book. In English, we often use these words interchangeably, but in Hebrew, they carry distinct meanings. The four words are “learning,” “knowledge,” “wisdom,” and “understanding.”
Learning could be defined as a short term memory. Think of learning a password to enter into friend’s phone. It is needed for a specific purpose, and then almost forgotten when the purpose is over.
However, If that phone number was your spouses, it wouldn’t be short term memory but long term memory. The Proverbs will refer to this as knowledge.
Wisdom is knowledge applied, or knowledge in action. It’s knowledge to know it is safe to drive with a seat belt on, but it is wisdom to drive with the seatbelt on each time.
Finally, understanding is wisdom that is fully comprehended and leads to a desire to teach others. We can have knowledge, such as knowing that we need to wear a seatbelt. In wisdom, we actually wear the seatbelt. After experiencing a car accident while wearing a seatbelt, we gain a full understanding of just how crucial it is for our safety. Now, we not only possess knowledge and the wisdom to wear it, but we also have a complete understanding and even a bias towards wearing it. In understanding, we are motivated to share with others what they might be missing. Recognizing the importance of the seatbelt, you advise your friends or family to wear it every time they drive.
For more background on Proverbs follow the link below: