Knowledge without wisdom can lead to disaster. A degree minus common sense will not add up to success. Fools think they know it all, but the wise realize how much they don't know. Apply yourself to learning wisdom along with your knowledge. This article may be published if the resource box is unaltered.

Wisdom is the application of knowledge. It is using knowledge in the most effective way. Knowledge can be obtained in a relatively short period of time. Acquiring wisdom, on the other hand, can take many years. It is gained by observing life and learning from the failures and successes of yourself and others. It is also obtained by following the instructions of teachers and mentors.

Solomon, the wisest mortal that ever lived, gave advice on acquiring wisdom. Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let those who discern get guidance (PRO 1:5).

Do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man and he will love you. Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning (PRO 9:8-9). We gain knowledge and wisdom by listening to instruction and miss out if we refuse it.

It is human nature to resist when someone tells us what to do. Our independence tends to reject advice from others, thinking that we know better. While it is good to act on our own initiate, it is not practical to learn everything on our own. We need to learn from every source available. Those who refuse advice from others will find the going to be extremely difficult. We of course must filter advice and discard what is not applicable.

Most of the information in schools and in books we study on our own, deals with how aspects of life work or are supposed to work. They are not always good at describing what to do when they don't work like they should. This is why wisdom is vital. This type of knowledge is classified as theory. There are some excellent teachers, however, who have experience in different fields and offer a great deal of wise practical advice.

After school is over, education is just beginning. In my first interview I was told, "You have a piece of paper saying you graduated, but you don't know a thing.' On the job, you must learn how to put theory to practical use. This is where mentors can be extremely valuable. Those with the wisdom gained from experience have discovered the best and easiest way to do things. They can show you the ropes and teach you the tricks of the trade. This can serve as a shortcut to gaining wisdom. You will find, however, that some of their ways won't be efficient for you. You must discover what works for you by trying different methods.

One of my teachers advised that those that know how, will always have a job, those that know why, will be their boss. I have found this to be generally true. Everything pertaining to business is based on finances. Expense and profit determine decisions. When you understand why and how everything is done, you are in a position to move up the ladder.

Those who start at the bottom and move up gradually, getting experience in every phase of the operation can see the total picture. When you know every job, why and how it fits into the picture, and have the wisdom of sound judgement, you are a candidate for management. If you gain wisdom in how to handle money and get along with people, it will go a long way toward success in life.

People sometimes put their job first and neglect their family. This is certainly not wise. Though company loyalty is commendable, they are only loyal to what is to their advantage. Time with family is more important than a few extra bucks.

Do not overlook wisdom from above. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline (Pro 1:7). For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding (PRO 2:6). Wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her (PRO 8:11).