Define good education

[John of Japan]

There is an area of the military these days that deals with "knowledge management." They seek to take data and turn it into information, turn that into knowledge, that it may be turned into understanding and be usable. For example, knowing the temperature is data; relating that to the area of the world you're sitting in becomes information; coupling that with other information, such as certain types of lubricants work better in certain types of weather, becomes knowledge. Applying that to what you're trying to accomplish -- e.g., I can't fly planes in a particular area because it's too hot for the type of lubricants, or I have to get a different type of lubricant so that I can fly planes -- becomes understanding and wisdom.

Excellent illustration of what I'm saying.

(1) Knowledge=bare facts about the subject: what does the word disciple mean, for example.
(2) Understanding=knowing how the facts fit together and what they produce: how a person becomes a disciple, for example.
(3) Wisdom=decision making, what do do with your knowledge and understanding: for example, "making disciples" in obedience to the Great Commission.

I can develop all the bible knowledge I am capable of, and share that knowledge; but if I've missed out on the message of the bible, I'm not doing anyone any good.

At least, that's what I think you're saying.

Now you've got it. Except that with knowledge only, not only would I not be doing good, I would actually be doing harm! I would be puffing myself up and I would be showing a poor example of the Christian life to those around me.

Though I know Strong's Systematic Theology backwards and forwards, and have not love, I am a dry husk of a preacher.

 

[John of Japan]

To me, this is the definitive passage on knowledge, understanding and wisdom:

19 The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens. 20 By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew (Prov. 3:19-20).

I normally don't do the verse list thing here, but here are some more verses that discuss the trilogy of knowledge, wisdom and understanding.

Ex 31:3 And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship.
Pr 2:6 For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.
Pr 9:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.
Pr 28:2 For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged.
Isa 11:2 And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD.
Da 1:4 Children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king's palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans.
Da 1:17 As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.
Da 2:21 And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding.
Col 1:9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.