Knowledge VS Knowing

In general, knowledge is an excellent thing. I suppose some things might be better to be unknown, but largely speaking, having knowledge is a definite positive. There are a couple of other factors concerning knowledge that need to be made clear. The first is that all knowledge is not the same. There is the knowledge associated with the accumulation of facts, something that can be very helpful. It is suitable for us to acquire this type of knowledge. Whether through classroom education, personal research, or trivia games, we learn all kinds of facts throughout our lives. We put great emphasis on this type of knowledge, and that is not a bad thing.

The Bible speaks highly of gaining knowledge of this type. We are told, “The mind of the prudent acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.” The scripture also teaches us that “wise men store up knowledge.” Therefore, we should try to be life-long learners, gleaning and “storing up” all the knowledge we can. 

More Personal, More Intimate Knowledge

This is not the most important type of knowledge, however. The Bible speaks of a more personal, more intimate knowledge than simply an accumulation of facts. It is the knowledge that comes from relational intimacy. We see this from the first human relationship between a man and a woman. The scripture uses this concept to speak of the relationship between Adam and Eve, which resulted in the conception and birth of Cain, the first baby born on the planet. Genesis 4:1 says that “The man knew his wife Eve, and she conceived…..” Sexual intimacy is often misused and abused, but it is designed by God to be exclusive to the relationship between husband and wife. It is the most intimate of activities, reserved for the most intimate and exclusive of relationships. Throughout the scriptures, the Bible speaks of God knowing us and is inviting us to know Him in a relationship of deep intimacy. It is more than simply us learning facts about God, but rather us entering into an intimate relationship with God. To know about God is a good thing. To know God in a personal and intimate way is far better.

Factual Knowledge

This helps us understand another truth about knowledge. Factual knowledge, though generally a good thing, can be a problem for us. I Corinthians 8:1 tells us that knowledge “Puffs up,” but love “builds up.” That is, factual knowledge alone can make one arrogant, which may cause us to put down others, but knowledge based on a relationship of love will edify or build up others. So factual knowledge, though helpful, is not the final word. I heard this humorously stated in a chorus year ago. It said, “You can go to your college, you can go to your school; but if you ain’t got Jesus you’re an educated fool, and that’s all.”

Know Him

I encourage EVERYONE to get all the education you have the opportunity to receive. I encourage everyone to gain all the factual knowledge they can, especially about God and His Word. Do not, however, let it come at the expense of the greater understanding of God that comes through a personal relationship of intimacy with Him. Know about Him, but even more, know Him. Know Him well.