Knowledge Is Seductive.

Knowledge is not enough. In the days that we live with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and in the age of incredible information in excess to our capacity to make appropriate application, we are living dangerously to the edge of being fools. More information can make us fools.

Charles Spurgeon writes: 

“A great many people know a great deal, and are all the greater fools for it. There is no fool so great as a knowing fool.”

In fact, the very first temptation given to mankind had to do with knowledge. Adam and Eve was convinced that knowing mattered more than just spending time with God. It was a perfect place, the garden of Eden. Everything they needed was provided for them. The very first lie that they heard was, “Did God really say?“ (Genesis 3:1-7)

Knowledge in itself can be seductive. It causes us to want more and more, but is it enough? Not really. Information does not equal transformation in spiritual terms. Knowing about something isn’t enough. 

Today I write this commentary article because I’m concerned. I’m concerned that our society has become hoarders of information without order. We want more and more words. Look at contracts that are written between individuals and companies. Consider the contracts that you sign for renting an apartment or buying an appliance. We often scroll the Internet and receive terms of service without reading them. We accept what we believe we can trust. 

Scripture reinforces our understanding of biblical truth. Solomon wrote: The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom.” In other words to have an awesome respect for the ways of God produces wisdom. (Proverbs 9:10) Solomon also recorded that we should trust in God and not on our ourselves. (Proverbs 3:5-6) We also read: “ The fear of God is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (Proverbs 1:7) knowledge and its proper context and use will produce a godly person. But, knowledge could also be incredibly deceptive and can manipulate with evil intent.

This is why I say that knowledge is seductive, it can cause us to want for more and more information.

Books have been written that have filled libraries all across the world. Knowledge is abundant. The ability to apply knowledge to become wisdom is lacking. Even biblical knowledge may not be enough. I say this because people can read the Bible and not be changed by its content. People can study the Bible without it, transforming the inner man. People can know about everything everything there is in the scripture, but lack the ability to know God. That’s where wisdom must be applied.

What’s the point? It’s simply that we must pursue wisdom, not just knowledge. We must gain understanding and that we must look to God for Truth that can be applied into our lives.

A sub title could equally be applied, “humility is the beginning of wisdom.”  As we remain humble to God, we can discover greater Truth applied in our lives. 

Even though I don’t know where this particular comment finds its origin, yet it’s important to understand: 

Knowledge is a wonderful servant but a dangerous master. When knowledge leads us toward God, it becomes wisdom. When it leads us away from God, it becomes pride.

Søren Kierkegaard writes:

The Bible is easy to understand. But we are a bunch of scheming swindlers. We pretend to be unable to understand because we know very well that the minute we understand, we are obliged to act accordingly.

This is a profound understanding from a man who has learned much in the area philosophy, who then concludes the essence of this article. Knowledge can fill the mind while leaving the heart empty. Wisdom fills both because wisdom begins with God.