Three words.

Knowledge, understanding and wisdom.

What do they mean and are they a good idea?

If you are washing clothes, they may be an excellent idea.

The ancient text, entitled “Proverbs,” presents an interesting explication of these three words. The first nine chapters in the modern versions of the book (there were no chapters in the original scrolled text) present a morality play in which a lady in the person of “Wisdom” calls aloud to a “Young Man” to offer guidance and direction to the youth based on knowledge and understanding and leading to wisdom. The remaining chapters present a collection of proverbs and sayings ending with a tribute to the noble wife – perhaps a tactfully placed reminder of who’s really in charge – Mom.

The proverb is an interesting literary form. To me, a “proverb” is a couplet of two verses that compare different things to help you decide which is best, with a prejudice in the wording that let’s you know which way the author thinks you should go.

Let’s try one.

Proverbs 15:22 says “Plans fail for lack of counsel, / but with many advisers they succeed.” Fairly basic advice. To paraphrase, “It’s generally better not to go it alone.” I knew that. Maybe that’s the secret of a proverb. It does tell you what you already knew, but in a fashion that catches your attention and invites renewed thought and reflection. “Do I really know what I already knew?” Who knows?

Let’s try another.

Proverbs 17:22 suggests that, “A cheerful heart is good medicine, / but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Wow, that’s a mouthful in a few words. I knew a positive attitude was important, but I didn’t know it could keep me out of the hospital. I am still trying to figure out why “cheerful heart” was comparatively placed in opposition to a “crushed spirit.” The juxtaposition seems a bit extreme. Just because I don’t smile, my bones are going to try up? Oh, I begin to see. These are deep thoughts. More than meets the eye, so to speak.

Let’s get back to that load of wash.

A new washing machine was just delivered to my house. I’ve never seen one before. Play along with me here – let’s see where this goes.

First, I look at the white box and lid and the control panel and I wonder. I open the lid and stick my hand inside. I twirl the spinner. I feel the nice porcelain enameled exterior. Smooth. Clean. If I was an engineer, I might take that washer apart, catalog the parts and put it back together again. Then, I would know all the parts. I would have knowledge of the washing machine and what it is composed of, but I would have no idea what to do next. The facts, all the facts, and nothing but the facts. That’s knowledge.

Second, I notice the book I threw over in the corner. I pick it up and read, “Instruction Manual.” I think to myself, “I don’t usually read these things, I’m a guy, I can figure it out myself.” Then, I look at the white machine I just put back together. Standing there. It’s not doing anything. Can’t hurt. Why not? So, I start reading. “Oh, that’s how it works! I understand now. I put my dirty clothes inside and then I. . . .” The light bulb in my head just turned on. Click. I now have an understanding of the washing machine. I know how to make it work for me. I know how to put the facts to work. That’s understanding.

Third, I gather all my dirty laundry and start loading the first tub. I end with my new white polo shirt. Wait, there’s still room for one more thing. I look at the clothes piled on floor, reach down, pick up my new red socks, throw them into the tub with the detergent and turn on my new washing machine. Wisdom is not putting the red socks with the white shirt. I can have all the knowledge and understanding in the world and still not make the right choices. Wisdom is making the right choices. That’s wisdom.

The book of Proverbs could have been titled, “How To Wash Your Clothes and Look Good When You’re Through.” Solomon was a smart guy. He thought, “That title is too long, I need something more catchy, just one word, that says it all, hm-mm, what should I call this book, got it!” He did and he wrote it. I’m still trying to catch it and I read it. Some guys are just wiser than others. Maybe, I should read it again. Can’t hurt, I say to myself, as I sit down in my newly washed pink shirt and turn to the first page.

“Plans fail for lack of counsel, / but with many advisers they succeed.”

Maybe a few more words from a few good friends would help.

May the wise words of those around you line your path,

Grandpa Jim