Hello and welcome!

Today I wanted to write about wisdom. For about a week, I honestly didn’t know what I wanted to write about or what God wanted me to share. I’ve also been pretty exhausted lately. Every time I sat down in front of my computer to type, my mind went blank—which is usually not like me. I normally have a steady monologue going in my head and can write about anything at any time. But this past week, my mind was silent.

Now, as I sit here and type, I think that silence was really God telling me to just sit, observe, and be still. I’m always thinking, planning, or doing something. This past week, I still did a few things, but most nights I honestly just did nothing. And it was beneficial after a stressful week of work. Still, the creature of habit within me wanted to be productive. I wanted to write, but my body—and I believe God—was telling me, no, let’s rest for a change.

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🕊️ The Word That Stood Out: Wisdom

The word wisdom has been dominant in my world over the past week or so. Early last week, I met my new therapist. This isn’t my first time in therapy—my previous therapist moved to a different department—so I was getting to know someone new.

After about 45 minutes of talking and trying to summarize my life story, she paused and asked, “How old are you?”
I said, “I’m 28,” a little confused by the question.

She smiled and said, “You’re very wise. You have a lot of wisdom for only being 28.”

At first, I’ll admit, I felt proud hearing that. I’ve often been told I’m smart—but never wise.

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📚 Knowledge vs. Wisdom

In high school and college, I was a “smart cookie.” I took my studies seriously and worked hard for good grades. I was knowledgeable about many things—except the walk of life. That’s where I began to understand the difference between head knowledge and wisdom.

According to Merriam-Webster, knowledge “usually refers to information or awareness that someone has about a subject, whether from education or experience.” Wisdom, on the other hand, is “the ability to process, apply, or otherwise act on knowledge,” and often refers to “someone’s good sense, judgment, or insight.”

You can have knowledge without wisdom, but you cannot have wisdom without knowledge.

Knowledge is the basis of knowing. Wisdom is using that knowledge to make godly decisions, offer sound advice, or discern what is right. We gain knowledge from life experiences, but not everyone who possesses knowledge is wise.

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🌾 Seeking Wisdom Through Humility

Wisdom usually comes to those who seek understanding and remain humble. While reading Proverbs, I came across Proverbs 14:6:

“A mocker seeks wisdom and never finds it,
but knowledge comes easily to those with understanding.”

My NLT Life Application Study Bible notes that “Wisdom comes easily to those who apply God’s Word to their lives and seek out godly counselors. If the wisdom you need does not come easily to you, perhaps your attitude needs to change.”

That last sentence hit me hard—but it’s true. Two years ago, I would never have taken advice from myself. Back then, I didn’t apply God’s Word to my life. I was living for me, myself, and I. I might’ve given advice to others, but it wasn’t good advice. I was irrational, emotionally immature, and not in the right headspace to lead anyone—including myself.

After walking through multiple mental health crises, losing my dad, returning to therapy, and truly beginning my walk with Jesus, I finally understand what it means to live righteously. I don’t claim to know what to do in every situation—but Jesus does. Through His grace and the Holy Spirit within me, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of the knowledge I’ve gathered along my journey.

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💬 Gratitude in the Trenches

When my therapist called me “wise,” I had just finished telling her how thankful I was for everything I’ve been through—the good, the bad, and the deeply painful.

I was talking about the trenches of depression, the stages of grief after losing my dad, the stress of certain relationships, and more. Yet, I meant every word when I said I was thankful.

If I hadn’t walked through those valleys, I wouldn’t be the woman I am today. Everything happens for a reason—reasons that only God knows in the moment. When I reflect back, I often see His purpose: to develop me, refine me, and grow me closer to Him.

All those life events led to one of the most meaningful moments of my life—being baptized as a follower of Christ last week.

If I hadn’t come through my lowest lows, I don’t believe I would have the eternal life Jesus promised. There were times when I didn’t want to live. But by the grace of God, He used Ken to pull me out of that darkness and show me His love.

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🌻 Walking in Wisdom

I’m so grateful that I’m still here—and that God has used my experiences to lead me closer to Him. That’s what wisdom is about: acknowledging God’s Word and applying it to your life. Being humble. Living for God, not for ourselves.

At the end of Proverbs 14, my Bible includes a chart comparing “The Wise” and “The Foolish.” I wanted to share some of those traits here as a reflection exercise.

The Wise:

• Help others with good advice
• Enjoy wisdom
• Consider their steps
• Are hungry for knowledge
• Value wisdom above riches
• Respond to correction
• Keep their eyes on wisdom
• Profit from correction
• Trust in wisdom
• Control their anger

The Foolish:

• Lack common sense
• Enjoy wrongdoing
• Are gullible
• Avoid the wise
• Feed on trash
• Do not respond to punishment
• Wander aimlessly
• Blame failure on God
• Become examples to others
• Are proud and arrogant
• Despise advice
• Repeat their folly
• Trust in themselves
• Unleash their anger

Take a moment to reflect: which list do you align with more right now? If your traits lean toward the foolish side, pray that God softens your heart and leads you into wisdom.

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🙏 Closing Prayer

Jesus,
Thank You for giving me this time to write and share this message. Thank You for every trial and experience that has taught me knowledge and wisdom through You. Lord, I pray for the reader of this journal—that they may grow in their understanding of You, find wisdom through Your Word, and feel Your presence in every season. For anyone walking through hardship, remind them that You are always near. You are in control, and You are the answer to everything. Thank You, Jesus, for Your grace, Your love, and this moment to connect.
In Your holy name I pray, Amen.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please remember that help is available. In the U.S., you can reach the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. You are not alone—and you are deeply loved.

Thank you for reading. May you go in God’s grace and wisdom this week.

— Rachel