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S. Michael Houdmann
Supporter
The word knowledge in the Bible denotes an understanding, a recognition, or an acknowledgment. To "know" something is to perceive it or to be aware of it. Many times in Scripture, knowledge carries...
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Jack Gutknecht
Supporter
The pride of intellectual knowledge is condemned; it must be joined with love ("Knowledge puffeth up, 1 Cor 8:1). See what Michael said about this verse (1 Co 8:1). "The knowledge man possesses tends to make one proud. "Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up" (1 Corinthians 8:1). Therefore, the pursuit of knowledge for its own sake, without seeking God, is foolishness. "Then I applied myself to the understanding of wisdom... but I learned that this, too, is a chasing after the wind. For with much wisdom comes much sorrow; the more knowledge, the more grief" (Ecclesiastes 1:17-18)."
Also, see Michael's mention of Prov 1:7 -- "Further, because knowledge is God's to give, those who reverence Him will receive it. "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge" (Proverbs 1:7). The word fear here is not dread or terror but a reverence for God, respect for His law, His will, His rule in our lives, and the fear of offending Him, which will lead us to obey, worship, and praise Him." NAVE'S TOPICAL BIBLE also refers to the quotation of Proverbs 1:7 under the entry, "KNOWLEDGE -- Fear of the Lord is the beginning of, Prov. 1:7. "
James Orr would agree with S. Michael Houdmann who both made reference to Romans 11:33. Orr said, "The highest knowledge, as said, is the knowledge of God and Christ, and of God's will (Hos 6:6; Rom 11:33; Eph 1:17; 4:13; Phil 1:9; 3:8 --See NAVE again; Col 1:9,10, etc.)." Mr. Houdmann wrote, "Not only is God's knowledge infinite, but it is absolute: "Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! / How unsearchable his judgments, / and his paths beyond tracing out!" (Romans 11:33)."
Knowledge implies a relationship as far as Christians are concerned. See Genesis 4:1. "Adam knew Eve his wife" (Genesis 4:1, NKJV), which means he had a physical union with her. James Orr said about Genesis 4:1, "A large part of the usage necessarily relates to natural knowledge (sometimes with a carnal connotation, as Gen 4:1,17), but the greatest stress also is laid on the possession of moral and spiritual knowledge (e.g. Ps 119:66; Prov 1:4,7,22,29; 8:10, etc.; Lk 1:77; Rom 15:14; 2 Pet 1:5,6)."
The desire for knowledge is expressed in 1 Kin. 3:9; Psa. 119:66; Prov. 2; 3; 12:1; 15:14; 18:15. And remember, "the greatest stress also is laid on the possession of moral and spiritual knowledge (e.g. Ps 119:66; Prov 1:4,7,22,29; 8:10, etc.; Lk 1:77; Rom 15:14; 2 Pet 1:5,6)."
Knowledge rejected can be found in Hos. 4:6. Those who reject it are destroyed Hos. 4:6.
God desires knowledge about himself on our part more valuable than offerings-- more than burnt offering, Hos. 6:6. The highest knowledge, as said, is the knowledge of God and Christ, and God's will (Hos 6:6; Rom 11:33; Eph 1:17; 4:13; Phil 1:9; 3:8; Col 1:9,10, etc.).
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