Today there are more books, courses, TV programs, CD’s and DVD’s on money than ever before. Despite this deluge of “information”, it appears that families, businesses, countries and many churches are in really bad financial straits. How can that be? This short article will address some basic problems that we believe are root causes and will provide advice for reversing this trend. 
Most folks would consider “prosperity” to be their top financial goal. Since this means different things to different people, we will use the definition of “Godly Prosperity” from the Legacy Edition of “Financial Freedom in 7 Weeks Plus”: “Having all the resources (time, talent/skills, and money) needed to accomplish the mission you have been called by God, to accomplish.” The Bible warns us not to compare ourselves to others and not to envy or covet. So, it’s logical to conclude that we are “prosperous” if we have all the resources necessary to fulfill the roles we individually are assigned Our Creator. For some this may be caring for a family, or running a business, or participating in ministry or mission work, or possibly as a professional athlete or a doctor. 
Knowledge may be equated with having a grasp of factual information. For example, a financial expert may be informed on the latest accounting and tax regulations and have a solid grasp of principles, such as compound interest, how to calculate present and future values, and the pluses and minus of leasing versus renting versus outright ownership. So, let’s simply say that knowledge means knowing the facts… In this case – money facts.  
Wisdom is far more precious (than factual knowledge), as we see in the following scriptures:
Ecclesiastes 2:26 (NIV): “To the man who pleases Him, God gives wisdom, knowledge, happiness, but to the sinner He gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God.” 
Proverbs 16:16 (NIV): “How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding than silver.” 
Proverbs 4:6-7 (NIV): “Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have get understanding.” 

I like to explain true Godly wisdom as being able to use factual knowledge in the framework of practical application advice, as found throughout God’s Word. Psalm 37:30 (NLT) makes it abundantly clear that wise Christians should seek Godly wisdom from trusted council: “The Godly offer good counsel; they teach right from wrong.” Therefore, we should seek out and listen to men and women who have factual knowledge in our areas of concern (financial, medical, marriage, etc.) but also have established a proven track record as Godly counselors.