What Does the Bible Say About Knowledge?
The knowledge to be sought after in the Bible is not what you would learn at school in the usual subjects. The wisdom of this world is foolishness with God (I Corinthians 3:19).The knowledge spoken of in the Bible is the knowledge of God and His ways. It is what gives us the ability to know how to react to problems and possibilities that come up in our lives. This knowledge is not how we can impress man, but how we can please God. It is not meant to make us feel superior and therefore careless and indifferent to others. True knowledge is more than simply intellectual.
Knowledge is not wisdom. However, wisdom is letting the knowledge of truth pass into action in your life. Wisdom is when our knowledge provokes compassion and loving readiness to help others. It is not meant to puff us up, but to give us the ability to build up. Knowledge is an on-going process and becomes the base of how we live our lives. But it is not easy to come by. It is an experience of seeking treasure where God has hidden His riches.
Here are some of the things the Bible say about knowledge.
Search for knowledge as hidden treasure
“Every young man who listens to me and obeys my instructions will be given wisdom and good sense. Yes, if you want better insight and discernment, and are searching for them as you would for lost money or hidden treasure, then wisdom will be given you, and knowledge of God himself; you will soon learn the importance of reverence for the Lord and of trusting him. For the Lord grants wisdom! His every word is a treasure of knowledge and understanding” (Isaiah 48:12,13)
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge
“How can men be wise? The only way to begin is by reverence for God. For growth in wisdom comes from obeying his laws.” (Psalm 111:10)
The fear of the Lord is to hate evil
“If anyone respects and fears God, he will hate evil. For wisdom hates pride, arrogance, corruption and deceit of every kind.” (Proverbs 8:13)
Knowing God results in understanding
“For the reverence and fear of God are basic to all wisdom. Knowing God results in every other kind of understanding.” (Proverbs 9:10)
God’s laws make us wise
“God’s laws are perfect. They protect us, make us wise and give us joy and light.” (Psalm 19:8)
A wise man spares his words
“The man of few words and settled in mind is wise; therefore, even a fool is thought wise when he is silent.” (Proverbs 17:27)
Glory in understanding God
“The Lord says: Let not the wise bask in his wisdom, nor the mighty man in his might, nor the rich man in his riches. Let them boast in this alone: That they truly know me, and understand that I am the Lord of justice and of righteousness whose love is steadfast…” (Jeremiah 9:23)
Quotations taken from The Living Bible. Photo by Aaron Burden (pexels.com).
