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Knowledge
July 20, 2013

Our economy is sometimes referred to as the knowledge economy, meaning the right use of knowledge can have positive economic impacts. Peter Drucker used the phrase in his book The Age of Discontinuity in 1968 and the phrase was new to many. I sure hope the idea that knowledge can have a positive impact wasn't new, because that idea has been around for thousands of years and is mentioned in the Bible.

Proverbs 24:4
And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.

Knowledge provides understanding of when opportunities become available and lay a foundation of how to access those opportunities. The college I attended years ago and since closed taught that the word of God is the foundation of knowledge and what was relevant thousands of years is relevant today. In today's economy with the right knowledge, anyone can make money, as long as they are willing to work for it. There are those who believe knowledge circumvents the existence of God, and while I respect in peace all views including those different from my own, I believe knowledge in the absence of God, in the absence of good, only leaves us with evil, and the Bible warns about the perils of the knowledge of good and evil.

Genesis 2:17
But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.

We live in a time where knowledge is expanding all the time, and in the absence of God, in the absence of good, knowledge of evil is expanding as well. It seems like evil is winning out over good and in the end I know those who follow God will win. That's why it is important with all of our knowledge to value not what we physically gain in this life, but what we spiritually gain, because the more spiritual knowledge we have, the more we will be able to access spiritual opportunities in obedience to God and service to others.

Proverbs 8:7-11
For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips. All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them. They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge. Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold. For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.

Knowledge is more valuable than wealth, and knowledge and wisdom in God's teachings are most valuable of all. Wealth can always be spent and knowledge wasted. Knowledge can give us the skills we need to create new wealth. It's sort of like the debate on whether to give a man or teach him to fish. As a public educator with a new school year rapidly approaching, I opt to teach a man to fish. A we gain knowledge of God's teachings, we position ourselves to do what is right towards God and in service to others and in so doing we celebrate what is good, embrace what is good, and do what is good.

All verses are from the King James Version.
This site provided by Tom Laign. To all who may believe differently, I also extend peace and love.
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