Theme: THE POWER OF KNOWLEDGE
Introduction
The New Webster’s Dictionary of the English Language defines knowledge as “acquaintance with facts, truths, or principles as from study or investigation; the sum of what is known, the body of truths or facts accumulated by mankind in the course of time” Power is defined by the same dictionary as “strength, might or force”.
Text: ” A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength. For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety.”- Proverbs 24:5, 6
Comment: The Bible lays great emphasis on the power of knowledge. The Almighty God, speaking long ago said “Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good”. (Proverbs 19:2) The most significant benefit of the knowledge of God is that it will give one everlasting life, as stated by Solomon, a prophet and king in Israel: “For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it. (Ecclesiastes 7:12) Earlier, the prophet, talking about the knowledge of God, said: “She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.” – Proverbs 3:18.
Sir Francis Bacon, the English Statesman and Philosopher, drew from the words of King Solomon in coining the famous Latin expression, scientia potentia est: “For also knowledge itself is power”. The strength that comes from the knowledge of God is spiritual, not carnal. St. Paul stated in 2 Corinthians 10:3,4 that the weapons of our warfare “are not carnal but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds”. For the fact that it is not every kind of knowledge that empowers, it is necessary that all worshippers of God should be nurtured with the right kind of knowledge to enable them understand His purpose and walk accordingly. – 1 Corinthians 2:1-5; 1 Timothy 6:20; 1 John 2:15-17.