In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge. – 2 Peter 1:5(NLT)
The dictionary defines knowledge as: “facts, information, and skills acquired by a person through experience or education; the theoretical or practical understanding of a subject. It’s the awareness or familiarity gained by experience of a fact or situation.”
Knowledge is important to our existence. We find facts and information everywhere we turn these days, whether we want it or not – via books, the television, social media, the internet, and so on. “…seal up the book until the time of the end, when many will rush here and there, and knowledge will increase.” Daniel 12:4 (NLT)
Some just want to acquire knowledge through studying and research and there is nothing wrong with that. The book of Proverbs says, “Also it is not good for a person to be without knowledge…” Proverbs 19:2 (NASB)
To know doesn’t necessarily mean being wise. We are encouraged to, “Get wisdom; develop good judgment…” Proverbs 4:5 (NLT). Wisdom is the right application of knowledge. When we don’t apply the acquired knowledge rightly, then the knowledge becomes useless, and this often leads to frustration.
The more knowledge we acquire the more frustrated we become. This is because we become more conscious of our own limitations and ignorance as we feel powerless or helpless in finding solutions to the world’s problems. The book of Ecclesiastes captures this thought: “For with great wisdom comes great frustration; whoever increases his knowledge merely increases his heartache.” Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NET)
With all the knowledge that has been acquired and is on display, this world should be a better place to live. However, it is not because the world is missing one important thing – God!
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Proverbs 1:7 (NKJV).
God is Omniscient! He is the God of all knowledge and the giver of knowledge. No matter how knowledgeable we are, we can’t know more than God.
Many people know about God but do not necessarily know Him. “My people are being destroyed because they don’t know me…” Hosea 4:6 (NLT). In another version it says, “My people are destroyed because they lack knowledge of me…” (ISV).
“Knowledge” as a supplement, is a personal knowledge of God and a practical knowledge of His will. “For His divine power has bestowed on us [absolutely] everything necessary for [a dynamic spiritual] life and godliness, through true and personal knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.” 2 Peter 1:3 (AMP)
“Knowledge” could also mean spiritual discernment of what is right and what is wrong. The ability to discern the right thing, the right way, the right point, or idea, and at the right time. The word may also mean a general knowledge of the doctrines, precepts, and promises contained in the Bible.
“Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and decisions and how unfathomable and untraceable are His ways!” Romans 11:33 (AMP)
We need to acknowledge that God is full of wisdom and knowledge. As such, we need to closely acquaint and align our ways with Him in order for us to grow in faith and apply knowledge rightly.
Stay blessed,
LaraLex
Hills and Valleys 