By Shelly Burke, Editor and Author, Home is Where the Mom Is; A Christian Mom's Guide
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.
The Bible tells us that God’s knowledge is omniscient—He knows
all things (Psalm 139), including the “secrets
of the heart” (Psalm 44:21b) and “the
thoughts of man” (Psalm 94:11) As the saying goes, “knowledge is power”
(usually attributed to Sir Francis Bacon). I enjoy learning new things and
frequently check out books from the
library that cover topics I know nothing about—like caving—or that explore in
depth issues like lying, memory or the science behind cooking. There’s no end
to the interesting things to learn in the world!
Our most valuable knowledge, however, comes from knowing
God, His Word, and His will.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.
Prov. 9:10
In the context above, the word “fear” can be translated “standing
in awe” or “reverence”. How can we be reverent of someone, or in awe, if we do
not know them? Through Bible Study we learn “knowledge of the Holy One”, which
provides insight as to how we should strive to live. Of course we will never be
all knowing, as God is, but through the Bible we see that He is fair, just,
compassionate, and so on. We also learn that He never compromises what is
right, for what is “easy” or “popular.” As you read the Bible, consider marking
or writing down passages that give you insight into the characteristics of God.
And
it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all
discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and
blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that
comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
Phil. 1:9
Here Paul is speaking to the Philippians, telling them of
his prayer that they will, among other things, have knowledge and discernment
of what is pleasing to Christ. When we have knowledge of Christ we can discern
what is pleasing to Him, what is excellent, and how we can live for Christ.
Again, the Bible is our source of knowledge of just what that is.
Many people say that the Bible cannot be understood, that it’s
just a story for people of long ago and doesn’t apply to our lives today. Study
of the bible, however, will show you that it is clear about what is right and wrong, and the principles laid out
in the Scriptures thousands of years ago do, indeed, apply today. (Some of the
practices laid out in the Old Testament—sacrifices, for example-- do not apply
to us today, but it is no mystery why not—the Bible clearly tells us that through
Christ’s crucifixion He took away the need for those sacrifices.)
Rather than reading self-help books, which often mislead
(even some so-called “Christian” books and Bible studies are not Biblically
sound), I challenge you to spend time reading…your Bible. Consider a study
Bible, which has notes that will clarify passages and give insight as to
cultural practices and other factors and deepen your knowledge of Scriptures. Be
sure to choose a literal translation (which
is a literal word-for-word translation from the languages it
was written in, Hebrew and Greek). Tools like a Bible dictionary, maps and
commentaries will give you additional knowledge.
Finally, ask God to give you the desire to read, study, and
understand the Bible, so that you can gain the most valuable knowledge-- of Him
and His Word.
Lord, please create in me the desire to
read and study Your Word. I want to gain knowledge of You, so that I can live
in a way that is pleasing to You. Please bless my study of Your Word. Give me
insight and understanding. Amen.
I’m also blogging at Home is Where the Mom Is.
Today’s post is also about “knowledge” specifically how to talk with your kids
about the importance of knowledge and knowing God.
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Shelly is also
the author of the book “Home is Where the Mom Is; A Christian Mom’s Guide to
Caring for Herself, Her Family, and Her Home. Click to find out more!
