T.S. Eliot on the Loss of Wisdom

We live in a world of information overload. From the deluge of books published each year, to the endless options of the Internet, to the information-scrolling screens of television news programs—we live in a world awash with words. But are mere words the same as wisdom? Is information the same as insight? No. Listen to T.S. Eliot:

where is the life we have lost in living?
where is the wisdom we have lost in knowledge?
where is the knowledge we have lost in information?

~The Rock (1934)

Eliot wrote this in 1934. How much truer it is for us today, living in the “Information Age”! It is a real temptation for us to fly full speed across the surface, absorbing countless bits of information (or at least thinking we are absorbing them!), all the while believing that we are truly growing in knowledge. However, biblically speaking there is a difference between sound bytes and truth, between detached data and the big-picture of wisdom. The latter requires a thoughtful and critical engagement.

Something to think about from “The Kingdom Perspective”.

My son, if you will receive my words
And treasure my commandments within you,
Make your ear attentive to wisdom,
Incline your heart to understanding;
For if you cry for discernment,
Lift your voice for understanding;
If you seek her as silver
And search for her as for hidden treasures;
Then you will discern the fear of the LORD
And discover the knowledge of God.
For the LORD gives wisdom;
From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.

~Proverbs 2:1-6 NAS