How “Better Wisdom” Helps Police Officers Do Their Job

Standing on the wrong side of the yellow tape at a homicide scene is a mistake you only make once. I know, because I made it. As the new guy on the homicide team, I was eager to prove myself. My notebook was out, my eyes were scanning for clues, and my mind was racing with the details of the case. But in my zeal, I stepped right into a rookie error—literally.

Alan, the senior detective, didn’t let it slide. “Are you kidding me!?!” he barked, drawing the attention of the whole team. He pointed out, not so subtly, that I was the only one inside the taped-off area, standing dangerously close to the evidence. The laughter that followed stung, but the lesson stuck. I’d walked through a pool of blood, contaminating the scene and embarrassing myself in front of the veterans. It was a humbling introduction to the world of homicide investigation.

That night, Alan became more than just a critic—he became a mentor. He taught me that there’s a difference between knowledge and wisdom. Knowledge is important; it’s the facts, the procedures, the technical know-how. But wisdom is something deeper. It’s the ability to apply knowledge in the right way, at the right time, for the right reasons.

In our culture, wisdom is a prized commodity. Self-help books and motivational speakers promise to unlock its secrets. But as Christian police officers, we know that wisdom is more than just information or clever strategies. True wisdom is morally grounded. It’s not just about what works, but about what’s right.

Even secular psychologists recognize this. Studies have shown that wisdom is built on a foundation of “moral aspiration”—the desire to do good, not just to get results. But that raises a question: who decides what’s good? Is it the individual, the culture, or is there a higher standard? Is there a better source for this foundation of “better wisdom”?

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

As detectives, we know that facts matter. But when it comes to questions of right and wrong, facts alone aren’t enough. The murder of the man who was killed in that crime scene was wrong, not just because the law says so, but because it violated a deeper, objective moral truth. No amount of personal opinion or cultural consensus can make murder virtuous. The standard is higher and unchanging. As detectives, we know that facts matter. But when it comes to questions of right and wrong, facts alone aren’t enough. Share on X

This is where our Christian faith gives us clarity. The Bible teaches that true wisdom is rooted in the character of God. “The fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to depart from evil is understanding.” (Job 28:28) God’s nature is the ultimate standard for what is good, just, and wise. His wisdom doesn’t shift with the tides of popular opinion or the winds of political change.

Scripture describes wisdom as more valuable than gold or jewels. It’s not just about knowing the right thing, but about being shaped by God’s truth—living in a way that reflects His justice, mercy, and love. James writes, “The wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” (James 3:17) This is the kind of wisdom we need as officers: wisdom that is both practical and principled, courageous and compassionate.

My misstep at the crime scene was painful, but it was also a turning point. Failure, as it turns out, is often the root of wisdom. It forces us to confront our limitations, to seek guidance, and to grow. Research supports this: studies show that early failures, if we learn from them, are key to later success. Every winner, it seems, begins as a loser.

The Bible is full of stories of men and women who failed, learned, and became wise. Peter denied Jesus three times, but later became a pillar of the early church. David committed grave sins, but was called a man after God’s own heart because he repented and sought God’s wisdom. The journey from failure to wisdom is marked by humility, teachability, and a willingness to be shaped by God.

As Christian police officers, we face challenges that test our knowledge, our character, and our faith. We are called to pursue justice, to protect the vulnerable, and to act with integrity—even when it’s hard. True wisdom is not just about solving cases or making arrests. It’s about living out the values of the Kingdom of God in every interaction, every decision, every investigation.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

We will make mistakes. We will have days when we feel like the “knucklehead” on the wrong side of the tape. But each failure is an opportunity to grow in wisdom—if we let God teach us through it. Let us seek wisdom that is grounded in God’s unchanging truth, shaped by His love, and lived out in service to others.

So the next time you find yourself standing where you shouldn’t, remember: wisdom isn’t just about knowing better. It’s about learning, growing, and letting God’s truth guide your every step. That’s the kind of wisdom that will carry us through the toughest cases—and the toughest days—on the job.

Have you investigated the case for Christianity? Have you committed your life to the source of “better wisdom”? Don’t waste another minute; do it today. And to learn much more about the importance of wisdom and how it contributes to human flourishing and establishes the reliability of the Biblical record, please read The Truth in True Crime: What Investigating Death Teaches Us About the Meaning of Life.