Too often in our culture, knowledge is frowned upon. Individuals are labeled as nerds to make them social outcasts, while those who are not “nerds” are considered normal. Smart people are frequently taunted and made to feel less than. However, God’s Word has a lot to say about wisdom and knowledge. Surprisingly, preachers often do not emphasize the significant role that knowledge plays in our spiritual and social lives. Here are three powerful truths about knowledge that are rarely preached.
1. Knowledge is a Spirit (Revelation 4:5)
Revelation 4:5 reveals a fascinating truth about the throne room of God: “From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings, and peals of thunder. Before the throne, seven lamps were blazing. These are the seven spirits of God.” Among these seven spirits is the Spirit of Knowledge. This highlights that knowledge is not just an abstract concept but a divine attribute personified by a specific Spirit of God.
Understanding knowledge as a spirit challenges us to view learning and wisdom as sacred pursuits. God Himself is the source of all true knowledge, and when we seek it with humility, we are tapping into a divine dimension.
2. God Has Eternal Knowledge (Revelation 4:3)
Revelation 4:3 speaks of the incredible vision John had of the throne room of God, including an emerald rainbow encircling the throne. This detail sets John’s account apart from other prophetic visions, such as those of Isaiah and Ezekiel. The emerald rainbow symbolizes God’s eternal sanctity and separation from corruption.
The presence of this emerald rainbow reinforces the truth that God’s knowledge is eternal and pure. Unlike human knowledge, which can be flawed or corrupted, God’s knowledge remains untainted and everlasting. This serves as a reminder that we should seek knowledge that aligns with divine truth.
3. The Seven Spirits of God Include Knowledge (Isaiah 11:2)
The prophet Isaiah was given a profound revelation about the seven spirits of God: “The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of knowledge and fear of the Lord” (Isaiah 11:2). Among these seven spirits, knowledge is explicitly named.
This revelation underscores the divine importance of knowledge. When preachers neglect to teach about the Spirit of Knowledge, they overlook an essential aspect of God’s nature that empowers believers to navigate life with discernment and wisdom.
Bonus Insight: Wisdom as a Feminine Spirit
If we examine the Book of Proverbs, we see that wisdom is often described in anthropomorphic, feminine terms. For example, Proverbs 8:1-7 states:
“Does not wisdom cry out, And understanding lift up her voice? She takes her stand on the top of the high hill, Beside the way, where the paths meet. She cries out by the gates, at the entry of the city, At the entrance of the doors: ‘To you, O men, I call, And my voice is to the sons of men. O you simple ones, understand prudence, And you fools, be of an understanding heart. Listen, for I will speak of excellent things, And from the opening of my lips will come right things; For my mouth will speak truth; Wickedness is an abomination to my lips.'”
Proverbs 8:11-21 further emphasizes the unparalleled value of wisdom:
“For wisdom is better than rubies, And all the things one may desire cannot be compared with her. ‘I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, And find out knowledge and discretion. The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way And the perverse mouth I hate. Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom; I am understanding, I have strength. By me kings reign, And rulers decree justice. By me princes rule, and nobles, All the judges of the earth. I love those who love me, And those who seek me diligently will find me. Riches and honor are with me, Enduring riches and righteousness. My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold, And my revenue than choice silver. I traverse the way of righteousness, In the midst of the paths of justice, That I may cause those who love me to inherit wealth, That I may fill their treasuries.'”
Proverbs 1:20-26 describes how wisdom calls out publicly:
“Wisdom calls aloud outside; She raises her voice in the open squares. She cries out in the chief concourses, At the openings of the gates in the city She speaks her words: ‘How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity? For scorners delight in their scorning, And fools hate knowledge. Turn at my rebuke; Surely I will pour out my spirit on you; I will make my words known to you. Because I have called and you refused, I have stretched out my hand and no one regarded, Because you disdained all my counsel, And would have none of my rebuke, I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your terror comes.'”
In Proverbs 2:3-5, wisdom is depicted as a treasure worth seeking:
“Yes, if you cry out for discernment, And lift up your voice for understanding, If you seek her as silver, And search for her as for hidden treasures; Then you will understand the fear of the LORD, And find the knowledge of God.”
Lastly, Proverbs 3:17-18 paints a beautiful picture of wisdom’s blessings:
“Her ways are ways of pleasantness, And all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, And happy are all who retain her.”
These verses demonstrate that wisdom is not only valuable but essential for living a righteous and impactful life.
Conclusion: The Call to Embrace Knowledge
Knowledge is a divine gift that should be sought and celebrated. It is a spirit, an eternal attribute of God, and one of the seven Spirits of God. When we embrace knowledge, we align ourselves with God’s truth and position ourselves to live wisely and purposefully.
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