“Therefore Get Wisdom”

The internet has changed the nature of reading, and the amount of readily available information has exploded. In this information saturated world it is important to understand several things:

First, not all information is accurate or true. This seems obvious, but actually very few of us take the time to critically evaluate incoming information. Information that supports our biases, or our current worldview, is accepted readily because it supports, or justifies, our current beliefs. Information that counters, or challenges, our worldview is doubted or ignored completely – regardless of its accuracy. New information rarely changes a person’s worldview. This fact can severely limit one’s growth.

Second, information is not the same thing as knowledge. Information is raw data along with the meaning, purpose, and context that makes it useful. However, information is useful only to the extent that it is based on factual data. Many internet sources have been specifically created to spread false information.
Gaining knowledge requires one to synthesize multiple sources of information over time. Knowledge is information combined with understanding, skills, and experience. Knowledge comes from a ongoing, in depth, process of education.

Third, simply being exposed to a lot of data and information does not mean one has knowledge. There are many phony internet “experts” out there who have not invested the time and effort required to become truly knowledgeable on a given topic. Simply parroting what one has read or heard does not demonstrate knowledge or understanding.

Fourth, knowledge is not wisdom. Wisdom requires judgement. It applies ethical and esthetic values to knowledge. Wisdom uses knowledge for the greater good. Wisdom requires the application of a sense of right and wrong. Wisdom combines intelligence with moral virtue.

Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.

Proverbs 4:7

Pursuing ever greater knowledge and wisdom, in righteousness, is the path to the Celestial Kingdom. The scriptures give knowledge, the Holy Ghost provides knowledge, the temple endowment is a gift of knowledge, and the gift of revelation is a connection to the highest source of knowledge.

Interestingly, increased knowledge and wisdom is also the most important blessing those who inherit the highest Kingdom will receive. In a very real sense, knowledge is its own reward.

Then the white stone mentioned in Revelation 2:17, will become a Urim and Thummim to each individual who receives one, whereby things pertaining to a higher order of kingdoms will be made known;
And a white stone is given to each of those who come into the celestial kingdom, whereon is a new name written, which no man knoweth save he that receiveth it. The new name is the key word.

Doctrine and Covenants 130:10-11

Joseph Smith taught that learning and exaltation go hand in hand. This means that, if we wish to grow and progress, Latter-day Saints must develop essential thinking skills such as the following:
1. recognizing meaningful, accurate, factual data,
2. identifying the source, context, and purpose behind any information we receive,
3. developing our knowledge through time, patience, experience, and multiple sources of information, and
4. living ethical, moral lives to develop wisdom.

One simply cannot acquire true information based on incomplete, out of date, manipulated, or false data. One cannot acquire meaningful knowledge from untrustworthy sources of information, or without investing the time and effort necessary to develop true understanding. And one cannot develop true wisdom without living an honest, unselfish, righteous life.

Therefore not leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God.
Of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, and of the resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
And we will go on unto perfection if God permit.

JST, Hebrews 6:1-3

Sources: “The DIKW Pyramid“, Wikipedia
“A New Theory of Wisdom: Integrating Intelligence and Morality,” Wang Fenyan and Zheng Hong, Psychology Research, January, 2012.