Day 125, Year 1

Why do Believers Learn Knowledge?

“They are all straightforward to him who understands, And right to those who find knowledge.” (Proverbs 8:9 NASB)

Following the previous discussion, one way to gain more divine understanding is to articulate the wisdom and insights we received from God. It could be in art form, such as painting the received images or performing the insights through music or dancing. Of course, a more common method is writing a spiritual journal. As for today, three more methods/three methods of writing it are going to be introduced, which are as follows:

First, write down only the messages or insights that might come from God and pray about them. After prayer, if you discern certain messages are not from God, discard them. This method is relatively brief and less time-consuming. 

Second, write down the messages that might come from God, alongside your own responses, thoughts, and struggles. This method allows for a more thorough way of recording your spiritual journey, but it is relatively time-consuming and might accumulate into a large amount of records over time. 

Third, share your spiritual insights with someone who is mature in faith that could enhance your understanding. However, not every mature Christian is ready to listen to you. If you have a lot to share, it might also take up a lot of others’ time. Nonetheless, many of us need to train ourselves to become more understanding.

Additionally, many pursue knowledge because they believe knowledge is power and could change their destiny. As people receive more education, learn more knowledge, and enhance their competitiveness, they will have more choices in life and greater chances of success. Yet, today’s verse views knowledge as a means to enhance believers’ uprightness. The Hebrew word yashar for “right” means “straight, upright, correct, or proper” as mentioned before. In other words, the primary purpose of learning knowledge is to find the truth and reality through discerning right from wrong, or truth from falsehood. Then, by following God’s truth, we become more upright. Thus, the true knowledge mentioned in this verse first sharpens our discernment, subsequently changing our character and direction. I believe spiritual knowledge helps us understand uprightness and how people could become more upright. Nevertheless, God cares for the upright and is also pleased to see the crooked turning to upright. This is a stark contrast to the view that acquiring knowledge is merely a means to make more money or be more successful.

Reflection questions:

1) Of all the methods explored today for clearly documenting your insights received from God and enhancing your understanding, which one or two do you feel best fit your needs?

2) Currently, what is your most important purpose of acquiring knowledge and understanding?