Knowledge is an incredibly powerful tool that allows us to better understand ourselves, the world around us, and our place in it. It is through knowledge that we are able to make informed decisions, solve problems, and pursue our goals with purpose and intention.
Isaiah 11:2-3 says, “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 of the fear of the Lord; And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears.”
Knowledge refers to information, skills, and understanding that a person acquires through learning or experience. It can be both theoretical and practical, and it can be gained through various means such as reading, observing, practicing, or interacting with others.
Instruction, on the other hand, refers to the process of teaching or providing guidance to help someone acquire knowledge or develop a skill. It involves transmitting information, demonstrating techniques, providing feedback, and offering support to facilitate learning.
Instruction can take many forms, including classroom teaching, online learning, hands-on training, mentorship, and coaching. The goal of instruction is to help learners acquire the knowledge and skills they need to achieve their objectives, whether it’s to pass an exam, perform a task, or develop a new capability.
Overall, knowledge and instruction are interrelated concepts that go hand in hand. Without knowledge, instruction would have no content to convey, and without instruction, knowledge would remain dormant and unutilized.
Here are a few verses from the Bible that speak to the importance of knowledge and instruction, and the motivation they can provide:
- Proverbs 1:7 – “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.” This verse highlights the importance of seeking knowledge and instruction in order to gain wisdom and understanding, and warns against dismissing or rejecting it.
- Proverbs 4:13 – “Keep hold of instruction; do not let go; guard her, for she is your life.” This verse emphasizes the value of instruction and the need to hold onto it tightly, recognizing its importance in shaping and guiding our lives.
- Proverbs 9:9 – “Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.” This verse speaks to the idea that even those who are already wise and righteous can benefit from further instruction and learning, and that there is always more to be gained from seeking knowledge.
- 2 Timothy 3:16-17 – “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” This verse highlights the importance of studying Scripture and seeking instruction in order to become equipped for doing good works and living a righteous life.
The pursuit of knowledge is an ongoing and lifelong journey. It requires us to be curious, open-minded, and willing to learn from a variety of sources, including books, people, and experiences. It also requires us to be critical thinkers, able to evaluate and analyze information to determine what is true and relevant.
While knowledge can be a powerful tool, it is not without its limitations. We must be careful not to become too attached to our own knowledge, as this can lead to closed-mindedness and an inability to see things from other perspectives. It is also important to recognize that knowledge alone is not enough; we must also apply what we have learned in order to effect positive change in our lives and the lives of others.
In the Bible, knowledge is often portrayed as a key component of wisdom, which is highly valued in many faiths. Proverbs 2:6 says, “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” This verse highlights the idea that knowledge is a gift from God, and that seeking it can bring us closer to him and his wisdom.
Ultimately, knowledge is a powerful tool that can help us to better understand ourselves, the world, and our place in it. It requires ongoing effort and a willingness to learn, but the rewards are well worth it. Through knowledge, we can become wiser, more empathetic, and more effective in our pursuit of our goals and our mission in life.
In this Month of March, may you not lack knowledge and instruction in Jesus’ name.
Amen and Amen!
Temitope & Adebusola Owokole (DDMI General Overseers)