Wisdom vs. Intelligence

Living as Wise: Wisdom vs. Intelligence - Foolishness vs. Ignorance

I have been faced with making decisions in my life where some have turned out well, and many have not. I have recently been made aware of how different intelligence is to wisdom, as ignorance is different to foolishness. According to Robert Sternberg, "if foolishness is in some sense the opposite of wisdom, it means that intelligence is no protection against foolishness" (Sternberg, 2010, pg. 70). I find this statement to challenge my learning. Ignorance is the lack of knowledge. If someone does not know how to do something, then we, as leaders, must first teach. After knowledge has been given, we challenge how that knowledge is being applied (wisely, vs. foolishly). So what am I learning and how am I using it? Do I learn to gain more knowledge for the sake of knowledge, or do I learn to seek wisdom on how it is to be applied to my life? How do I apply what I know? Am I applying it foolishly or wisely? If wisdom is defined as the appropriate application of knowledge to a situation, then what is appropriate?

Perhaps the greatest answer lies in where we are finding the source of our wisdom as leaders. Proverbs 1:7 says that the "fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline" (NIV). Before I can apply any wisdom, I must have some knowledge (intelligence). What knowledge do I have, and then I can determine, how am I using that knowledge?

It is not enough to say that someone is smart. After graduating from college, I wanted to be a financial adviser  I had the intelligence, but my personal application of sound financial principles were less than wise. I was applying my knowledge of financial responsibility foolishly, spending more than I made, and living on credit to which I am now paying the price of the foolishness of my youth through monthly payments! Now, a little older and learning from bruises of past financial irresponsibility, I seek to apply that knowledge of financial management. Now I am seeking to be wise (not always perfectly, but pursuing). The source of principles that guide my application of financial management  is for me, Scripture and the wisdom contained there in how I live in the area of my finances. A paradox that challenges the worlds view on financial management is in the way of giving. Scripture tells us "one man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous man will prosper, he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed" (Proverbs 11:24-25). What a challenge to the idea of keeping what I make to myself. In God's Kingdom, giving as the Lord enables and leads provides for deeper prosperity. If I desire to be wise in my area of finances, it would behoove me to give generously and freely when led to (not begrudgingly or with a insincere heart).

This is just one example of seeking to apply knowledge well (living as wise). Whatever the situation is requiring decision making as a leader, whether in my personal life or in my professional arena, I need to consider two questions: Do I have the right knowledge to make a decision and what is guiding my application of that knowledge to this situation? Perhaps these "slow down and think" questions can prevent foolish decisions and help us as leaders move the people we influence, the examples that our lives set, and the organizations that we represent forward in a positive way. How has asking these types of questions helped you on your journey to lead well?

Reference:

Sternberg, R. (2010). A handbook of wisdom. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.