Is Knowledge Really Power?

And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.” Genesis 2:16-17 (NKJV)

The serpent … asked the woman, “Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?” Of course, we may eat fruit from the trees in the garden,” the woman replied. “It’s only the fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden that we are not allowed to eat. God said, ‘You must not eat it or even touch it; if you do, you will die.’”

“You won’t die!” the serpent replied to the woman. “God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.” Genesis 3:1-5 (NLT)

They say, “knowledge is power” but is it really?

Education is a fundamental necessity in the development of any people, society, or nation. I am not an academic expert or authority on this subject, but I know the value and benefit of education and being educated.

There are some things that we are better off not knowing at all. The outcome of the knowledge of certain things can be counterproductive. It could lead to bondage rather than freedom, foolishness rather than wisdom. Curse instead of blessing. Confusion instead of enlightenment.  

I read recently about the testimony of a young man in London. He wanted to understand why or how some people become addicted to alcohol, drugs, gambling, and pornography. He heard in the media how addiction to these vices had damaged families and placed a burden on the health service.  

In this young man’s quest to research these vices, unfortunately, he became addicted to pornography himself. According to him, the addiction cost him his education because he dropped out of university at 19.  

In certain situations, ignorant innocence can be more beneficial than intellectual excellence. Adam and Eve in their ignorant innocence, felt no shame about their nakedness. But as soon as Eve became curious about the forbidden tree and ate the fruit with Adam, everything changed. “At that very moment, their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness…” Genesis 3:7 (NLT)

Adam and Eve’s knowledge of good and evil did not make them wise but rather foolish. This rebellion cost them their fellowship and relationship with God. It cost them a paradise. It cost them their peace. It introduced hard labour, pain, fear, guilt, and shame. It also introduced mistrust and unhealthy competition between man and woman.

“For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father but are from this world.” 1 John 2:16 (NLT)

Although education is important, we do need to be careful that our quest to know more or to satisfy our curiosity, is not driven or motivated by lust and pride. This was what brought Eve down.

By the craving for physical pleasure, she saw that the tree was good for food. By the craving for everything we see, she saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious. By the pride of life, she wanted the wisdom the tree would give her. It all backfired!

“Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.” Proverbs 9:10 (NLT). We need to be careful that our education and knowledge does not turn one into an oppressor or rebel against God.

Knowledge gained and applied rightly is wisdom and I believe that’s where the real power is. What do you think?

Stay blessed,

Alex