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Knowledge Puffs up by Rebecca Livermore
1 Corinthians 8:2
Now concerning things offered to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know. (NKJV)
Knowledge Puffs Up
I'm a big advocate of Bible study. I'd wonder about a church that didn't provide people opportunities to study the Word. And I'm concerned about churches with very little in-depth teaching. Bible study is something we all need! Unfortunately, a possible danger of studying the Bible is that we can become proud by the knowledge we accumulate. Because of that, it is important to check our motives in the study we do. For instance, a person might want to learn New Testament Greek. That's a worthy goal, since it can help one to understand the Bible better. Sadly, it can also be an opportunity for pride to develop since few Christians know even the basics of New Testament Greek and even fewer know it well.
"For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. We, however, will not boast beyond measure, but within the limits of the sphere which God appointed us; a sphere which especially includes you" (2 Corinthians 10:12-13).
Showing Off Knowledge
It is possible to attend a Bible study not only to learn, but to show off the knowledge you already have. Have you ever noticed that in Bible studies some people monopolize the discussion and few others are able to participate? Even worse, there are some who are quick to step in and correct the "errors" others make in their interpretation and application of the Scriptures. Both types of people, but especially the latter are examples of people who are "puffed up" by their knowledge.
Puffing Up or Building Up?
The phrase, "puffs up" in 1 Corinthians 8:2 means that it makes one arrogant. In contrast, the word "edifies" means to build up. Think about how you participate in Bible studies. Does your behavior display your arrogance, or does it rather indicate a heart that seeks to build up and encourage others?
Humble in Pursuit of Knowledge
I hope that you do study the Bible regularly, and that you do share what you learn with others. But if you feel that you know the Bible well, it would be good to remember the words of Paul, "if anyone thinks he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know." This verse makes it clear that we should always be humble in our pursuit of knowledge, with the realization that regardless of how much we learn, the treasures found in Scripture are so vast, we will never be able to do more than scratch the surface of the unfathomable riches of the Word of God.
While God indeed would have us to be wise, the origin of our wisdom must be from above, that it might be "first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy" (James 3:17). This in contrast to the aforementioned earthly wisdom which is "sensual, demonic" and causes "envy and self-seeking..., confusion and every evil thing" (3:15-16).
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~To Him That is able to keep you from falling and to present you before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy...to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.~ Jude 24
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