An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.1
The Scriptures have stern warnings about our lack of knowledge. Desire without knowledge is not good, and whoever makes haste with his feet misses the way.2 . . . they have zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.3
What is referred to when the writers speak of knowledge? Definitely, not the kind that puffs up.4 Man in his pomp yet without understanding is like the beasts that perish.5 Take heed, God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding beyond measure, and breath of mind . . . he was wiser than all other men, . . .6 Ultimately, it was also the cause of his own downfall.
Hosea gives us the kind of knowledge that God desires of us. Hear the word of the LORD, O children of Israel, for the LORD has a controversy with the inhabitants of the land. There is no faithfulness or steadfast love, and no knowledge of God in the land; . . .7 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you have rejected knowledge, I reject you from being a priest to me. And since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.8 Knowledge of God and his laws is what God requires of us.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.9 Cease to hear instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge.10 As we score the Scriptures, we learn of God’s attributes. He is all powerful, holy, and he loves steadfastly. Knowledge of God teaches us to fear God and rests on his steadfast love. I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me.11
An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.12 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.13 Take care lest you forget the LORD your God by not keeping his commandments and his rules and his statutes . . . or when you have prospered, then your heart be lifted up and you forget the LORD your God . . . who led you . . . who fed you . . . You shall remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth . . . And if you forget the LORD your God and go after other gods and serve and worship them, I solemnly warn you today that you shall surely perish.14
Filled with knowledge you are full of goodness and able to instruct others.15 Continue walking in truth; it is the truth that sanctifies you; your word is truth.16 Jesus said, Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you.17 You are a new creation.18
May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.19
Notes:
1. Proverbs 18:15
2. Proverbs 19:2
3. Romans 10:2
4. 1 Corinthians 8:1-3
5. Psalm 49:20
6. 1 Kings 4:29-34
7. Hosea 4:1-2
8. Hosea 4:6
9. Proverbs 1:7
10. Proverbs 19:27
11. Proverbs 8:17
12. Proverbs 18:15
13. Romans 15:4
14. Deuteronomy 8:11-20
15. Romans 15:14
16. John 17:17
17. John 15:3-5
18. 2 Corinthians 5:17
19. Romans 15:5-6
