Seek Knowledge

For Friday, July 7, 2006
Proverbs 18:15

An intelligent heart acquires knowledge,
and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

Note the precondition of the person who gains knowledge. He is already intelligent, already wise. It is his intelligence and wisdom that spurs him on to attain knowledge. He becomes knowledgeable because he values knowledge. Unlike the student who raises his hand in class and asks the teacher, "Is this going to be on the test," the intelligent person inquires deeper into the subject. He is interested in what he is learning; he wants to learn.

As principal of a school, I observed quickly that it is this attitude towards knowledge that separated the students who performed well from those who did not. The difference had little to do with ability; it had everything to do with desire.

But even then there is a distinction between the wise and the mere hard worker. The latter will gain knowledge merely as a means to gain a goal such as good grades or a promotion. The wise person seeks knowledge because of true love for knowledge. The result is that the "hard worker" only obtains his particular goal; the wise person becomes wiser; his intelligence is enhanced. Thus his very quality of life and usefulness is magnified.

Seek knowledge. Do not be content with learning as little as needed. Strive to know as much as you can. Strive to know God as deeply as you can. Desire to know the knowledge of his Word. Seek the knowledge of the gospel and of the grace found in Christ. For there is true wisdom and intelligence.