Foolish Intellect

He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, But he who walks wisely will be delivered. Proverbs 28:24

We live in a society that values intelligence over wisdom. But what if our intelligence means nothing without  discernment? We are so focused on what we know and how to know more that we miss this important point. So what then if knowing how to apply knowledge is just as important the knowledge itself? Doesn't that then mean we "smart" ones have as great a capacity of looking like fools as anyone else?

Before I go any further, I feel I should define some things.  A fool is merely someone who lacks judgement. Wisdom is the not only the ability to think, but to think AND act using knowledge, experience, understanding and common sense. Neither term has anything to do with book smarts or even the standard societal norm. 

I love to learn. But I realize how foolish knowledge alone can make us look. I know a lot of smart people, but not a lot of wise ones. I have a lot of knowledge in my head but I am prone to the "fool" plague like any other. Many of us have often spoken without assessing the how and what in dealing with others. We spew out knowledge, hoping to be admired for our intelligence but those who know the difference see our immaturity. We tend to think we are revealing our intelligence, when what really shows is our hearts. 

Wisdom takes place in the heart. It changes how we apply what we know. We each have to evaluate our own hearts. A good place to start is with our words and thoughts because what we think eventually comes out of our mouths. We must ask ourselves, are we just full of knowledge or are we wise? Because being set apart means we don't judge ourselves by the norm.