Earlier this week I was given the honor of speaking at the induction ceremony for The National Honor Society. The purpose was to issue a "challenge" to the young inductees, And so I took the opportunity to speak on the difference between knowledge and wisdom, while also making sure to include the gospel for any students or family members present who are not yet clear on that matter. I have included the transcript of the speech I gave below in hope that it might be a blessing for others.
Knowledge and Wisdom
Good evening - it is a privilege to be asked to speak at the Honor Society Induction Ceremony. Your achievement commemorates the talents you have in the different academic disciplines represented here. But you didn’t get here without some hard work, and so I think you’ll appreciate Ecclesiastes 12:12, where King Solomon says…
…of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.
We have to spend our time and energy somewhere, and sometimes the effort leaves us weary, but I commend you for investing in knowledge. It is a noble pursuit, and we are happy to celebrate your achievements tonight. But it would be foolish of us to celebrate as if everything you have accomplished was solely a result of the efforts of you and your teachers. You are being recognized tonight because you have demonstrated a gift, and Scripture says in James 1:17 that…
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father...
Take a moment to thank God for what He has given you. And take a moment to recognize that what you have is not your own. The LORD gave it to you for a purpose. Such gifts will open doors for you in the future - continue to pursue that, to perfect it, to master it and use it for the benefit of your family, your friends, and your nation.
I suppose I could end there, but the real exhortation I would like to give you tonight extends far beyond your education, because the knowledge you acquire in your classrooms, the diploma you earn, the college you attend, the degrees that you frame and proudly display…those are not the end of the journey, nor are they really even the point. The point is wisdom. Proverbs 4:7 says…
Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.
Knowledge is knowing things. Wisdom is the proper application of knowledge. But make no mistake - there are two paths labeled wisdom. One of them is the improper application of knowledge that likes to masquerade as wisdom. Of that so-called wisdom Scripture tells us in I Corinthians 3:19 that…
…the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.
But in contrast Colossians 2:3 says that…
In [Christ] are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
There are two paths before you. Both are labeled wisdom. The true path of wisdom humbly seeks the LORD.
Harry Rimmer - an avid scientist and devout Christian - notes that within the pages of the Bible we find commentary on every subject known to man, and find perfection in Scripture’s discussion of those subjects. His claim might sound bold to you, but Proverbs 3:5 reminds us to…
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
It doesn’t matter what you and I think; it doesn’t matter what the textbooks claim; it matters what God said.
So if you really want to understand history, talk to Jesus. If you want to plumb the depths of mathematics and science, talk to Jesus. Do you want to see the absolute perfection and precision of language, or the most concise and meaningful narratives penned in the history of the world? Open the Bible and humbly read what the Lord has given us on its pages.
True wisdom starts with a knowledge of what God says in His word. I began by quoting from Ecclesiastes 12. In it’s larger context, that passages says…
…of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh. Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.
Wisdom is the application of knowledge, and Scripture gives us the knowledge of the revelation of God. We should fear Him, we should keep His commandments, because we know He is the judge of all things. The wise person takes that knowledge and applies it to him or her self. The wise person recognizes…
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God…
Romans 3:23
The wise person recognizes…
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 6:23
The wise person recognizes…
…that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures…
I Corinthians 15:3-4
The wise person recognizes…
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9
And the wise person recognizes…
These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
I John 5:13
This is the most profound knowledge you could ever have. What you do with that knowledge determines which path of wisdom you will walk - God’s, or the fool’s. And the path of wisdom you choose to walk will determine what you do with the talents and gifts that we are here to celebrate tonight. I hope and pray you will choose the path in which you humble yourself under the authority of God’s word.
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