God gives us knowledge for three reasons. First, to become familiar with him. Second, to insure we know Truth. Third, to equip us to support ourselves, our families, and our society, by work which honors His name.
These reasons can be discerned while reading through the verses referenced under Knowledge in any concordance. Interestingly, the Webster’s Dictionary definitions can nest within these intents quite comfortably. Webster’s 2 a (1): The fact or condition of knowing something with familiarity gained through experience or association.
Since among the previous gifts God included Relationship, it’s clear that He’s intent that we become secure and convinced in his protective care for us. Neither David in Psalm 119:65-72, nor Solomon, in Proverbs 2:3-11, could have written what they did without knowing God by personal experience.
Webster’s sub-point for definition 2c is: the circumstance or condition of apprehending truth or fact through reasoning.
God gives us knowledge for three reasons.
The second reason is to insure we know Truth. Timothy said so, unmistakably: “This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men—the testimony given in its proper time.”
Webster also defines knowledge as: acquaintance with or understanding of a science, art, or technique.
God gives us knowledge for three reasons.
His third reason for this gift is to equip us for active work while we live. Ideally how we work will not only support our families and society, but also bring Him honor. The first use of a word for knowledge in the NIV translation of the Bible is found in Exodus. In chapters 31 and 35, Bezalel and Oholiab are singled out. They possess knowledge and skill in all sorts of crafts. They also have the ability to teach. Every skill they possessed was useful to the community in everyday life, and God called them to use those skills to construct the Tabernacle.
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