What is the difference between knowledge and wisdom?

We had an interesting afternoon which led to an interesting discussion over dinner. Beginning 3 days ago, our three oldest children build a VERY large maze of tents made from various materials, pvc pipes and blankets, chairs and blankets, boxes, play tents, and all the various "supplies" to go in it. Needless to say, for us as parents, it was a cleaning nightmare. We very firmly believe that if you make the mess you are responsible to clean it up. As a result, we had a hard time seeing the "coolness" of it all through the yelling, crying, overwhemling chore ahead. We tried to be supportive and gave them a couple of days to enjoy their city before requiring it to be dismantled.

Ironically, once the thrill of the build was over, very little enjoying actually happened.

Today, before dinner, was the deadline. They were informed days ago that if they did not complete the clean up and pass inspection before dinner, they would not be invited to dinner. They were given daily reminders of this deadline and helpful suggestions that cleaning up a little at a time would be easier than tackling it all at once. They chose not to take advice and so we had much groaning and complaining shortly before dinner. Thankfully, they were able to finish before dinner was over but did not get quite as much dinner as they would have liked because they were late.

We asked Christian (the mastermind) if he could think of three ways he could have avoided such a trying situation and he was able to answer very throughly. Then Paul asked him a question his mission president used to ask, "What is the difference between knowledge and wisdom?" Christian had an idea but was unable to articulate it. Paul said that simply stated, the difference is that wisdom is being able to successfully apply the knowledge we gain. He then said, "You now have knowledge, but are you wise? What will you do next time?"

I think we all need more wisdom in our lives. In fact, I think I will find a way to post this question in our home office to remind our family to apply the knowledge we gain.