All the Knowledge, Yet Little Wisdom: Rediscovering Common Sense and Commitment in a Digital World

We live in a time when all the knowledge of the world is at our fingertips. Ask your phone almost anything, and in seconds, it will spit back an answer. From recipes and road maps to life hacks and historical facts—everything is instantly accessible. And yet, despite this flood of information, something essential seems to be slipping away: common sense, wisdom, and a commitment to others.

Growing up, we did not have smartphones, tablets, or even the internet. What we did have were parents and grandparents who taught us the basics of how to live: show up, work hard, treat others with respect, and take responsibility for your actions. We learned by watching, listening, and—most importantly—doing.

There were no “apps” to teach integrity or perseverance. We didn’t Google how to be decent human beings. Those lessons were modeled by the people around us—parents, teachers, neighbors, pastors—who didn’t always get it right, but they understood the value of commitment, sacrifice, and community.

But somewhere along the line, the tools meant to make our lives easier began to replace our relationships. Devices began raising our kids while parents stared at screens. Schools began pushing test scores over character development. Churches began fighting for attention in a world that now worships convenience over conviction.

So What Happened?

We confused information for wisdom. We assumed that just because we can access answers, we no longer need to think, reason, or reflect. We stopped teaching the next generation how to live because we assumed they could figure it out on their own—or look it up on YouTube.

But common sense and wisdom can’t be downloaded. They’re passed down. And if we don’t start passing them down again, we’re going to raise a generation with brilliant minds and empty hearts.

What the Bible Says

The Bible is crystal clear on the value of wisdom and passing it to the next generation:

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” – Proverbs 9:10

“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children.” – Deuteronomy 6:6-7

God never told us to just give our kids information. He told us to impress truth upon them—to live it out, talk about it, teach it day by day. True wisdom comes from fearing God and living in a way that honors Him. It’s not just about what we know—it’s about how we live.

What Can Be Done?

1. Put Down the Phone
   Start small. Family dinners without devices. Eye contact. Real conversations. These are the spaces where wisdom is passed on.

2. Model Commitment
   Show up for people. Keep your word. Be the kind of man or woman others can count on, especially your children and grandchildren.

3. Teach the Bible, Not Just Morals
   Our kids don’t need more “be nice” lessons. They need to know why it matters to be kind, honest, and faithful—and that comes from Scripture.

4. Rebuild Community
   Find or create small groups, church gatherings, mentorship circles—places where older generations can guide the younger, and everyone can grow in wisdom together.

5. Live With Eternity in Mind
   Remember that life is more than the here and now. Teach the next generation to value what’s eternal over what’s trending.

We may not be able to go back to the way things were—but we can bring the best of the past forward. Let’s reclaim common sense, wisdom, and commitment. Let’s pass on something far more valuable than knowledge: the know-how to live well and love others deeply.

Because in the end, wisdom will always matter more than Wi-Fi.  What do you think?  Write your thoughts in the comments.