Balancing knowledge and skills

We all know the difference between skills and knowledge, don’t we?
Yet, it is noticeable how the term “knowledge” is persistently ousted by the word “skills” lately.

Skills are everywhere. Skills are taught in the flow of work; skills matter when you apply for a new position; skills are the new currency.

What about knowledge? What about a better understanding of how things work and why they work that way?

If skills are acquired by practising things, knowledge is gained by learning.
Yes, learning. You know, the activity that involves reading books, listening to a teacher, going through an e-learning course, and memorising information – even if it doesn’t seem immediately applicable to your work.

And which one is more important? Knowledge? Skills?

Wrong question!

It’s the right balance that makes an expert. But how do you find the right balance? That is the million-dollar question.

That’s why it’s much easier to advocate just one side or the other.

So – any ideas on how to achieve the right balance between knowledge and skills? Or am I simply wrong (and skills are actually all that matters)?