“Knowing is not enough; we must apply.”
There is a great difference between having knowledge & possessing wisdom. 
Knowledge is something that we can get through education; listening to the teachings of others; reading books, or even observing the world around us. Because knowledge is knowing information or facts. However, wisdom is much more.
Wisdom is deeper than just knowing. Wisdom is understanding. It’s understanding which comes thru personal experience. And wisdom (true understanding) is something that can’t be taught. For example, you may have heard the story of the man who was trying to teach, or tell, another man what a lemon tastes like. The man who was being told about it, and had never tasted a lemon, didn’t have a true understanding until the other man gave up trying to explain it and finally gave him a lemon to try for himself. Before the man actually tried the lemon he only had an idea or knowledge of what a lemon “might” taste like. The man didn’t have the wisdom of understanding what a lemon was, or its taste, until after he had the experience of it.
Therefore, having vast amounts of knowledge doesn’t make one wise. Wisdom comes after we put the knowledge we have into practice.
So, how does this apply to our spiritual life?
Well, if we truly wish to come to know God, then it is not those who sit and hear the word that will get to Him. And it isn’t those who can quote all the scriptures from memory, & proudly declare exactly which verse and book it came from, that ever get to know God either. In order to have a true experience and true UNDERSTANDING of God, we must put the knowledge we gain from our teachers, gurus, books & scriptures into practice. For example, it is one thing to say “in order to know God we must love Him with our whole heart, soul, & mind”; and a very different thing to actually do & practice what this teaching says. And God will only come to the truly wise person who practices this teaching; not the persons who just know it or quote it.
Now, misunderstand me. Obtaining knowledge is, of course, a good thing. But, once we have the knowledge, we must apply it and convert it to wisdom. For, knowledge not applied is useless. For, what is the point in having knowledge if we are not going to do anything with it?
In truth, we will be held accountable for what we know; and any knowledge not applied becomes an error on our parts. For knowing what is right & good, and not doing or acting upon that good, effectively becomes “sinful”.
The truly wise individual applies the lessons and teaching they learn, and the conversion of that knowledge into wisdom has a powerful effect on their lives. For, it is the application that brings us understanding, it is applying what we know that brings us spiritual growth & progress, and it is applying what we know that brings us closer to God.
“Listen, my children, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding. For I give you sound learning, so do not forsake my teaching…
“Take hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands, and you will live.
Get wisdom! Get understanding!Do not forget my words or turn away from them.
Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you;
love her, and she will watch over you.
Wisdom is the principle thing; therefore, getwisdom.
Though it cost all you have, get understanding.
Cherish her, and she will exalt you;
embrace her, and she will honor you.
She will give you a garland to grace your head
and present you with a glorious crown.” (Proverbs 4:1-13 [emphasis added])
Therefore, gain knowledge; but, do not forget to apply that knowledge so that you can gain a true understanding of what you have learned. In this way you truly shall be wise.
God bless you on your journey to God through wisdom! And remember to always — Heed the Spirit,
Anthony