I have talked before on my blog about how my career path wound its way to where it ultimately ended. Most of the knowledge I gained throughout my career came through “on-the-job training.” I learned as I went, building a knowledge base that I carried with me as I moved forward.
Midway through my career, I was immersed in the world of information technology. My supervisors recognized that I had a knack for details, and my mentors taught me what I needed to know so I could continue learning on my own. Each position I held in IT built upon the previous one, and together they prepared me for the final role I held before retiring: software tester.
This was also my favorite job. When people asked what I did for a living, I would laugh and tell them that I went to work every day to break things—which, technically, was true. Although I probably should have said, “I go to work to attempt to break things.” The funny thing was, I was very good at it.
My move into software testing came from my role as a technical writer. The two positions shared many of the same skill sets, though software testing required a deeper level of technical understanding. That technical skill was something I had to work hard to develop.
There were times in the early days of software testing when I was so lost about how to accomplish a task that the only way I got through it was prayer. I would ask God to help me understand the process and figure out what was happening. Through determination, persistence, reviewing previous processes, and doing the work over and over again, things would eventually begin to make sense. With each step, the knowledge I gained grew into wisdom—an understanding of the overall process, how the software functioned, and what could (and did) go wrong. God carried me through many of those days simply because I prayed and He answered.
I came into that position with a baseline of knowledge, was surrounded by intelligent people who were willing to teach and train me, and had the best possible resource—my God—who surrounded me every moment. He has always been my greatest source of knowledge and wisdom.
The Book of Proverbs begins with Solomon, son of David and king of Israel, explaining the purpose of the book. He writes that it is for gaining wisdom and understanding, for receiving instruction in wise behavior—justice, judgment, and equity. He desired to give prudence to the simple and knowledge and discretion to the young.
In Proverbs 1:5, Solomon writes that a wise man will hear and increase in learning. He will take in knowledge, remember it, and grow from it. A person of understanding will also be discerning about whom they trust for guidance, not accepting counsel blindly.
So what is the challenge for us from Proverbs 1:5? We live in a time when it can be difficult—and even frightening—to know where to seek wisdom and whose guidance to trust. The challenge is determining where we will turn for knowledge, making sure we seek wise, godly counsel, and then following through by allowing that knowledge to be shaped into lasting wisdom.
How can we apply this to our lives? We begin by understanding the difference between knowledge and wisdom. Knowledge is something you learn and store in your memory. Wisdom is what you do with that knowledge. You can learn all there is to know about something, but wisdom comes from taking that knowledge and successfully putting it into action.
What does this mean for my faith? My faith is strengthened by knowing that the knowledge I gain can be transformed into wisdom. When I am willing to remain teachable and open to the experiences of those who are godly and wise, God allows wisdom to grow in me.
Lord, I thank You that You provide knowledge to those who seek it. I thank You that You also grant wisdom to those who use that knowledge well. I am grateful that You have surrounded me with godly men and women who have led me down good paths. Please continue to guide me and help me use discernment in my decision-making. Thank You for the many times throughout my life that You have given me knowledge and allowed it to grow into wisdom. Amen.
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Scripture Reference:
“A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:” Proverbs 1:5
Cross-Reference Scripture(s):
“Give [instruction] to a wise [man], and he will be yet wiser: teach a just [man], and he will increase in learning.” Proverbs 9:9 (KJV)
“Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof [is] brutish.” Proverbs 12:1 (KJV)
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I feel that since God has given me the gift of this platform, I must always tell you about my Jesus.
What is your relationship to the all-knowing God of the universe? Do you know Jesus? Do you know the peace that can come only from an intimate relationship with Him? You can know Him. Jesus Christ, God’s Son, born into human flesh, sinless, crucified and giving His life freely, buried, arisen on the third day, will come into your life and change the outcome of your eternity. You just have to be willing to believe and accept His truth.
Here is a web page that will give you more information about Jesus Christ and hope He can change your eternity: Start Your NewLife With Christ.
In addition, here is an excellent page that can give you additional information on peace with God: PeaceWithGod.net.
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Blog Image by James Osborne from Pixabay
Restricted Vision, Unburdened Sight 