What is Knowledge?
Knowledge can be defined as facts, information and skills acquired through experience or education; the theoretical or practical understanding of a subject.
Why is knowledge important?
Imagine life without the knowledge to perform basic actions like eating, communicating, or expressing emotions. Unlike animals with instinctual knowledge, humans uniquely seek knowledge, enabling us to discern good from evil. This discernment is crucial for addressing world issues and understanding God, reflecting His attributes in our lives. Knowledge of good and evil helps us appreciate life's dualities, like joy and struggle.
Scripture views knowledge and wisdom as invaluable, surpassing material wealth. They offer a path to inner peace and an everlasting journey when used creatively.
Knowledge is essential for discerning truth, right from wrong, and understanding what benefits or harms us. Trusting God's wisdom and following His commandments, once understood, becomes our duty. Knowledge without wisdom is futile if not used for others' benefit, driven by love and the desire to share what we value for ourselves.
Knowledge is a fundamental pillar for individuals and societies, encompassing information, skills, and experiences that contribute to growth. It is a lifelong journey that shapes perceptions, informs decisions, and influences actions.
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Empowerment: Knowledge enables individuals to navigate complex situations and make informed choices.
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Education: It equips students with critical thinking skills necessary for analyzing information and developing innovative solutions.
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Professional Development: Continuous learning enhances skills and career advancement, providing a competitive edge in the job market.
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Societal Advancement: Informed citizens engage in civic duties and advocate for social justice, promoting tolerance and collaboration.
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Technology and Science: Knowledge is crucial for addressing global challenges and making evidence-based decisions.
Reflections on the Nature and Purpose of Knowledge:
Is mere knowledge sufficient, or must we engage in experience to attain true understanding? Our comprehension is gauged not solely by words, but by the intentions behind them and the actions that follow. Authentic knowledge, especially in matters of faith, necessitates deeds that validate its truthfulness. Without the guiding principles of love, wisdom, and truth, knowledge becomes devoid of expression and significance. We must actively pursue knowledge to fully appreciate it, grasping its importance through wisdom that engages our hearts, minds, and senses. The duality and ever-changing nature of life enable us to perceive wisdom and apply knowledge in a meaningful way.
To truly understand knowledge, we must employ logic and reason, with our minds leading the quest for truth while our hearts share it for the benefit of others. Our souls find solace in knowing God, which harmonises the heart and mind. Knowledge transforms into wisdom when applied with love, yielding benefits for the world. While ignorance may appear blissful, reminiscent of Eden before the fall, it was disobedience, not knowledge, that ushered in the struggle. Scripture encourages us to seek knowledge, for disobedience following enlightenment leads to spiritual death. Arrogance, akin to Satan’s, signifies a rejection of divine wisdom. We learn to submit to God’s will, thereby regaining spiritual vitality and wisdom, and applying knowledge through love.
While ignorance may seem a safer option, evading responsibility, and knowledge demands wise application. The choice made by Adam and Eve introduced responsibility rather than ignorance. Evil stems from a disconnection from God, yet surrendering to His will liberates us from evil's grasp. Our inherent inclination is to pursue truth, yet many opt to reject this path. Unlike other creatures, humans possess the ability to use logic and reflection for personal growth. Choosing ignorance inhibits spiritual development, though true ignorance—stemming from limitations—is forgivable. Knowledge brings with it responsibility, allowing us to draw closer to God through willing surrender.
Our innate desire to learn and grow reflects a profound yearning for truth. The pursuit of knowledge necessitates wisdom, inscribed on our hearts, linking us to our Creator. Often, hardship serves as a reminder of our dependence on God, fostering personal growth. Through knowledge and wisdom, we come to understand God’s attributes, navigating life’s extremes to fully grasp them. In our choices—whether creative or destructive—we engage our senses and actions. Those who endure hardship cultivate a deeper appreciation for paradise, utilizing the wisdom they have gained.
Knowledge and wisdom nurture creativity and growth, connecting us to our source of creation. As we share knowledge, we become like branches of a tree, extending benefits to others. It is essential to question guidance in the pursuit of truth, recognizing that each soul embarks on its unique journey. The vast expanse of knowledge highlights our limitations, yet we reflect God’s beauty and choose to worship Him. We become vessels of His light, entering into a relationship with our Creator, where our actions transform into acts of worship, blessing those around us. Through knowledge and understanding, we serve as conduits of God’s love and wisdom.
How can Knowledge help us?
According to Abrahamic scripture, the knowledge of good and evil brings about the 'Fear' of God, or God-consciousness. This understanding allows us to distinguish truth from falsehood and right from wrong, enabling us to apply God's knowledge in ways that benefit ourselves and creation while pleasing Him. However, humanity is divided into many religious sects, each claiming to hold the truth. How do we discern which is correct? I believe the answer lies in seeking truth through knowledge, wisdom, and an open heart to God's guidance, our ultimate Source of Knowledge. If all people embraced this approach, perhaps religion itself would fade away, revealing that major faiths share core teachings of love, peace, tolerance, compassion, justice, and truth.
Through knowledge and understanding, we learn to differentiate right from wrong and good from bad. By consciously choosing the good, we become vessels of light, allowing divine goodness to shine through our actions. This can lead to a world enriched by peace, love, and happiness, addressing the suffering caused by a lack of acknowledgement of God. With wisdom, we gain insight into our Creator’s attributes, applying them in our lives to benefit humanity. We reflect on our Creator's Image- reflecting and emulating His Beautiful Attributes and fulfilling our creative potential through His will.
Knowledge reveals that the more we learn, the more we realise how little we know. Our connection to God as our Source of Life and Knowledge is vital; without it, we are lost. Through knowledge, we discover our soul's purpose and how to remain true to ourselves by being true to our Creator. The path to everlasting peace lies in surrendering to His will. We also learn that with knowledge comes responsibility, and applying this knowledge is a gift that can aid others and draw us closer to God's presence. Thus, a gateway to everlasting peace is through knowledge and its proper application.
How can our Knowledge help others?
The knowledge we acquire through learning, reading, and experience is a valuable resource that we can choose to share. Consider the futility of a book that remains untouched on a shelf or hidden away in a cave. What value does its knowledge hold if it is never shared? Similarly, if someone has endured hardship and gained wisdom but chooses to remain silent while others suffer, they are missing an opportunity to help. Both scenarios lack 'Love.' Knowledge should inspire us to seek truth and embody the beautiful attributes of God, ultimately making a positive impact on the world.
Is it not arrogant to assume we are more deserving of knowledge than others? Knowledge does not belong solely to us; it is a gift from the All-Knowing Creator. Assuming we have enough knowledge for inner peace can lead to arrogance and negativity. With knowledge comes responsibility: to use it wisely, express gratitude, and stay connected to the Source of Knowledge for continued growth. Ingratitude and a sense of superiority block our ability to be vessels of His Light and Wisdom.
Knowledge can be transformative when shared creatively. To understand and apply knowledge, we need reason, logic, and a truth-seeking mindset. Sharing requires Love, humility, and an open heart. Every person possesses knowledge that can benefit others, whether learned through challenges, education, or simple acts of kindness like a smile or a warm glance. Every positive action can be seen as an act of sharing knowledge.
According to Abrahamic Scriptures, the more knowledge we possess, the greater our responsibility to share it. Conversely, those with less will be expected to contribute less. God knows our individual capacities and journeys, so we should refrain from judging others and focus on our own paths.
Sharing the love and knowledge we have gained often brings a sense of peace and purpose, transforming our struggles into opportunities to positively impact others. This selfless act can lead us to inner peace.
How can we become more knowledgeable?
Ways to Enhance Knowledge According to Abrahamic Scripture:
To deepen our understanding, we can follow these principles:
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Seek Divine Guidance: Turn to our Creator, the ultimate Source of Knowledge, and pursue Truth. While it may be difficult to pray for wisdom over material wealth, acknowledging this desire opens the pathway to deeper understanding.
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Express Gratitude: Share our blessings with others and use them to benefit humanity and creation.
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Practice Humility: Avoid assuming superiority or self-sufficiency. Recognize that all knowledge, both seen and unseen, is in God's hands. Embracing humility fosters growth, as knowledge is a continuous journey toward God.
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Learn from Others: Listen to and learn from the experiences and wisdom of others.
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Apply Logic and Reason: Question everything you encounter. Critical thinking helps distinguish truth from falsehood, particularly in the presence of contradictions.
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Commit to Truthfulness: Acknowledge our mistakes with pure intentions. Seek forgiveness and learn from errors, demonstrating our dedication to seeking and embodying truth.
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Engage in Kindness and Charity: Remember that the pursuit of knowledge carries responsibility. Seeking knowledge should be for the benefit of others, not for egoistic motives.
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Travel and Reflect: Both physical and inner journeys can enhance our understanding. Embrace change and surrender to God, which can open our hearts and minds to new wisdom.
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Establish Discipline: Engage in prayer, charity, and selflessness. Keeping God in our thoughts allows us to learn and grow, turning challenges into opportunities for growth.
By incorporating these practices into our lives, we can cultivate a deeper connection to knowledge and wisdom, ultimately enriching our spiritual journey.
Scripture quotes about 'Knowledge'
'An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.' Proverbs 18:15
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7
For wisdom will come into your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul; Proverbs 2:10
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. The more they increased, the more they sinned against me; I will change their glory into shame. Hosea 4:6-7
A wise man is full of strength, and a man of knowledge enhances his might Proverbs 24:5
The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly. Proverbs 15:14
Take my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold Proverbs 8:10
My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. ... Proverbs 3:1-35
Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid. Proverbs 12:1
Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe in your commandments. Psalm 119:66
For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; Proverbs 2:6
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. Hosea 4:6
My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. ... Proverbs 2:1-22
Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance Proverbs 1:5
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. James 1:5
For the protection of wisdom is like the protection of money, and the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of him who has it. Ecclesiastes 7:12
For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings. Hosea 6:6
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. Proverbs 9:10
“How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple? How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools hate knowledge? Proverbs 1:22
For wisdom will come into your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul; discretion will watch over you, understanding will guard you Proverbs 2:10-11
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever! Psalm 111:10
Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord, Proverbs 1:29
But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.” Genesis 2:17
Then the Lord God said, “Behold, the man has become like one of us in knowing good and evil. Now, lest he reach out his hand and take also of the tree of life and eat, and live forever—”Genesis 3:22
But you, Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book, until the time of the end. Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.” Daniel 12:4
But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. James 3:17
And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. Isaiah 11:2
Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. ... James 3:13-18
Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. Psalm 19:2
Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?” 1 Kings 3:9
They shall not hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain; for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. Isaiah 11:9
Know that wisdom is such to your soul; if you find it, there will be a future, and your hope will not be cut off. Proverbs 24:14
There is gold and abundance of costly stones, but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel. Proverbs 20:15
By His knowledge the deeps broke open, and the clouds drop down the dew. Proverbs 3:20
Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. Proverbs 3:7
And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom. Proverbs 11:2
To give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins. Luke 1:77
So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12
And he said to man, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.’” Job 28:28
How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver. Proverbs 16:16
By insolence comes nothing but strife, but with those who take advice is wisdom. Proverbs 13:10
For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. Habakkuk 2:14
The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel: To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight, to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity; to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth— Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance, ... Proverbs 1:1-33
Whoever gets sense loves his own soul; he who keeps understanding will discover good. Proverbs 19:8
Wisdom is with the aged, and understanding in length of days. Job 12:12
For the lips of a priest should guard knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, for he is the messenger of the Lord of hosts. Malachi 2:7
Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. Isaiah 40:28
For in much wisdom is much vexation, and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow. Ecclesiastes 1:18
A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion. Proverbs 18:2
Desire without knowledge is not good, and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way. Proverbs 19:2
And out of the ground the Lord God made to spring up every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Genesis 2:9
Woe to you lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge. You did not enter yourselves, and you hindered those who were entering.” Luke 11:52
To you, O God of my fathers, I give thanks and praise, for you have given me wisdom and might, and have now made known to me what we asked of you, for you have made known to us the king's matter.” Daniel 2:23
The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor. Proverbs 15:33
Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. James 3:13
He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding; Daniel 2:21
“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. Matthew 7:24
And he will be the stability of your times, abundance of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is Zion's treasure. Isaiah 33:6
The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight. Proverbs 4:7
Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly. Proverbs 14:29
Now Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain, saying, “I have gotten a man with the help of the Lord.” Genesis 4:1
The wise of heart will receive commandments, but a babbling fool will come to ruin. Proverbs 10:8
In that night God appeared to Solomon, and said to him, “Ask what I shall give you.” And Solomon said to God, “You have shown great and steadfast love to David my father, and have made me king in his place. O Lord God, let your word to David my father be now fulfilled, for you have made me king over a people as numerous as the dust of the earth. Give me now wisdom and knowledge to go out and come in before this people, for who can govern this people of yours, which is so great?” God answered Solomon, “Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked possessions, wealth, honor, or the life of those who hate you, and have not even asked long life, but have asked wisdom and knowledge for yourself that you may govern my people over whom I have made you king, ... 2 Chronicles 1:7-12
Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?” And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.’” But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” ... Genesis 3:1-24
Good sense is a fountain of life to him who has it, but the instruction of fools is folly. Proverbs 16:22
This also comes from the Lord of hosts; he is wonderful in counsel and excellent in wisdom. Isaiah 28:29
Discretion will watch over you, understanding will guard you.. Proverbs 2:11
As for these four youths, God gave them learning and skill in all literature and wisdom, and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. Daniel 1:17
For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:11
Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future. Proverbs 19:20
“There is no god but He: That is the witness of God, His angels, and those endued with knowledge, standing firm on justice. There is no god but He, the Exalted in Power, the Wise” Quran, 3:18
“Proclaim! (or read!) in the name of thy Lord and Cherisher, Who created – Created man, out of a (mere) clot of congealed blood: Proclaim! And thy Lord is Most Bountiful, He Who taught (the use of) the pen, Taught man that which he knew not” Quran, 96:1-5
“And those who strive in Our (cause), – We will certainly guide them to our Paths: For verily God is with those who do right” Quran, 29:69
“…And when ye are told to rise up, rise up. God will raise up, to (suitable) ranks (and degrees), those of you who believe and who have been granted Knowledge. And God is well-acquainted with all ye do” Quran, 58:11
Say, " God has told the truth. So follow the religion of Abraham, inclining toward truth; and he was not of the polytheists." Quran 3:95
Say, "None in the heavens and earth knows the unseen except God, and they do not perceive when they will be resurrected." Quran 27:65
He is God; there is no god but He. He is the knower of the Unseen and the Visible; He is the All-merciful, the All-compassionate. Quran 59:22
“But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And God Knows, while you know not.” Qur’an, 2:216
“They said, “Exalted are You; we have no knowledge except what You have taught us. Indeed, it is You who is the Knowing, the Wise.” Qur’an, 2:32
“… and say, ‘My Lord, increase me in knowledge.’” Qur’an, 20:114
“… whoever is given wisdom is given a great good,” Qur’an, 2:269
“And with Him are the keys of the unseen; none knows them except Him. And He knows what is on the land and in the sea. Not a leaf falls but that He knows it. And no grain is there within the darknesses of the earth and no moist or dry [thing] but that it is [written] in a clear record,” Qur’an, 6:59
He it is Who has sent down to thee the Book: In it are verses basic or fundamental (of established meaning); they are the foundation of the Book: others are allegorical. But those in whose hearts is perversity follow the part thereof that is allegorical, seeking discord, and searching for its hidden meanings, but no one knows its hidden meanings except God. And those who are firmly grounded in knowledge say: "We believe in the Book; the whole of it is from our Lord:" and none will grasp the Message except men of understanding. Quran 3:7
He gives wisdom to whom He wills, and whoever has been given wisdom has certainly been given much good. And none will remember except those of understanding. Quran 2:269
"Certainly did God confer [great] favor upon the believers when He sent among them a Messenger from themselves, reciting to them His verses and purifying them and teaching them the Book and wisdom, although they had been before in manifest error." Quran 3:164
Read (Proclaim!) In the Name of your Lord who created, Created man, out of a clot (of congealed blood). Read (Proclaim), and your Lord is the Most Generous, who taught by the Pen, Taught man that which he knew not. Quran 96:1-5
And "O Adam, dwell, you and your wife, in Paradise and eat from wherever you will but do not approach this tree, lest you be among the wrongdoers." Quran 7:19
And He taught Adam the names - all of them. Then He showed them to the angels and said, "Inform Me of the names of these, if you are truthful." They said, "Exalted are You; we have no knowledge except what You have taught us. Indeed, it is You who is the Knowing, the Wise." He said, "O Adam, inform them of their names." And when he had informed them of their names, He said, "Did I not tell you that I know the unseen [aspects] of the heavens and the earth? And I know what you reveal and what you have concealed." And [mention] when We said to the angels, "Prostrate before Adam"; so they prostrated, except for Iblees. He refused and was arrogant and became of the disbelievers. And We said, "O Adam, dwell, you and your wife, in Paradise and eat therefrom in [ease and] abundance from wherever you will. But do not approach this tree, lest you be among the wrongdoers." But Satan caused them to slip out of it and removed them from that [condition] in which they had been. And We said, "Go down, [all of you], as enemies to one another, and you will have upon the earth a place of settlement and provision for a time." Then Adam received from his Lord [some] words, and He accepted his repentance. Indeed, it is He who is the Accepting of repentance, the Merciful. We said, "Go down from it, all of you. And when guidance comes to you from Me, whoever follows My guidance - there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve. And those who disbelieve and deny Our signs - those will be companions of the Fire; they will abide therein eternally." Quran 2:35-40
He knows what is within the heavens and earth and knows what you conceal and what you declare. And God is Knowing of that within the breasts.Quran 64:4
