The Bible, Knowledge and You - Part One

Each month one post will be spent diving into the Bible, so we will be fully equipped as servants of the Lord. I learn so much from these studies and wish it was possible to share with you ALL God shows me while browsing our monthly topic. I would highly encourage you to use a concordance, topical dictionary or Bible software program to read all the verses that teach on our subject, as there are so many gems space does not allow us to unearth here. 

Knowledge. It's something we all desire (think of the great popularity of DIY YouTube videos) and use on a daily basis, but hardly ever think about. So how important should knowledge be to the Christian young lady and more importantly, what does God have to say about this tool?

How does the Bible define knowledge?

For starts, we'll explore several verses to learn how the Bible itself defines knowledge:

And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, (Exodus 31:3)

Children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king's palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans. (Daniel 1:4)

As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. (Daniel 1:17)

Moreover your little ones, which ye said should be a prey, and your children, which in that day had no knowledge between good and evil, they shall go in thither, and unto them will I give it, and they shall possess it. (Deuteronomy 1:39)

They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea. (Isaiah 11:9 )

From these examples, we see the Bible defines knowledge as:

1. Knowing how to preform a particular skill, trade or ability (the carpenter has knowledge how to work with wood and the seamstress is knowledgeable about sewing notions and patterns.)

2. Knowing the difference between good and evil. This knowledge is ingrained in each of us, since it is an essential part of human nature. It resides in our consciences and is how we know right from wrong.

3. Knowledge of God. This refers to knowing Who God is and what His character is like. The primary source of this knowledge comes from the Bible. The knowledge of God is to know God. How do we know He is merciful and just, longsuffering and righteous, holy and mighty? Because we know His character, what He values and what He hates.

Daniel 1:17also includes a very important clue about what (or rather Who) the source of all knowledge is, which leads to our second question.

Where does Knowledge come from?

Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments. (Psalms 119:66)

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge...For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. (Proverbs 1:7 & 2:6)

In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. (Colossians 2:3)

Could it be more clear? Having a fear of the God of knowledge is home base for all who would find the hidden treasures of knowledge. These verses also shatter the humanistic doctrine that the beginning of knowledge is a college classroom or out of the mouth of the professor cometh knowledge and understanding. Biblically speaking, a degree is only worth its effort if it bows the knee to God's word. “Out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.” God alone is the fountain head from which all pure knowledge flows.

We now understand the Bible's definition of knowledge and where it springs from. Next month we'll discover the importance of knowledge through history's best-selling knowledge handbook: The book of Proverbs.