From the moment of birth, one’s mind begins the never-ending journey of learning—either by instruction or through trial and error. Our minds are built to learn, to retain experiences in our memory. Over time, we learn of little things such as the color of an apple or what happens when we touch a hot stove. We learn how to read and write, how to count, add, multiply—and the list goes on. Each experience adds to our information bank. Together, the facts and ideas accumulated in one’s mind are called knowledge.

But where does knowledge come from?

Imagine having to learn how to add, subtract and multiply all on your own. Would you not rather have these things explained to you? Would it not be much easier and quicker? If we go back to the beginning, we see that God gave the first humans, Adam and Eve, that very choice.

In this Bible study, we are going to take a closer look at knowledge: the meaning of the word; the origin of man’s knowledge; what man’s knowledge will bring to your life; what God’s knowledge is; how we attain and increase God’s knowledge; what God’s knowledge will bring to our lives; and the responsibility that this knowledge demands.

Before beginning this study, be sure to get your Bible so that you can look up every scripture. Take time to write out the verses. Be sure to take notes on what you learn. This will help you remember these scriptures and principles, which will have a direct effect on how wise you become.

(1) Did God give Adam and Eve a choice of how to obtain knowledge? Genesis 2:9; 3:1-7.

God gave Adam and Eve a simple choice. They had to choose between the Tree of Life, having God the Creator and Ruler teach them how to live—or the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, having to learn how to live through their own trial and error. The choice should have been a simple one, right? What would have been your choice? Regrettably, man is stubborn and does not want to be told what to do. Ever since the time of Adam and Eve, man has been attempting to gain knowledge on his own.

On his own, man cannot discern between good and evil, and will do only what seems “right in his own eyes” (Prov. 21:2).

Look at the world and the effects of learning the hard way. For example, man can fly to the moon and send satellites to the ends of the solar system to relay information about distant planets. He can build great bridges, make beautiful paintings, write inspiring music, or build intricate computers. But, at the same time, he has created nuclear weapons able to wipe out entire cities. He can clear-cut forests, destroying the environment faster than ever. Yet, with all this knowledge, man cannot solve any of his problems such as divorce, crime, drug abuse, and pollution.

(2) King Solomon, the wisest man of all time, was filled with wisdom and knowledge. What was his opinion of much knowledge? Ecclesiastes 1:18; 2:21.

Solomon was the wealthiest man who ever lived (Ecc. 1:16). We have all heard that money cannot buy happiness. Neither can attaining much knowledge bring you happiness. Solomon proved this.

Just filling your mind with physical knowledge will not bring happiness. The knowledge of mankind is missing something vital. It does not answer the big questions: Why are we here? What is the purpose of our existence?

(3) Does God define knowledge? Proverbs 2:1-6.

We have not defined God’s knowledge yet, but notice an important point in verse 6. God states plainly that out of His mouth comes knowledge.

(4) How can we hear the words that come out of God’s mouth? Matthew 4:4.

When Christ answered the devil, He plainly said that the words of God were written down. We hear them by reading the Bible. It is filled with the knowledge of God, inspired by God. The Bible is God’s Instruction Manual to us. It shows how we are to live and what our purpose is. God would not leave us without any instruction on how to learn and live His way of life. Just as parents do not want their children to learn the hard way, God does not want us to learn the hard way. We have the choice to have God speak to us through His Word so He can teach us His knowledge.

(5) What is the first step in gaining God’s knowledge? Proverbs 1:7.

First, we must fear God! We fear God by believing Him and taking His words and instruction at face value.

(6) How do we obtain the knowledge of God? II Timothy 2:15; 3:16.

As we read and study God’s words, He instructs us and we can learn His knowledge.

A few quick points on how to study the Bible:

• Ask God to open your mind to understand what you are studying.
• The Bible is a handbook on how to live. Use it as a mirror to show what you are doing wrong so that you can change.
• If you have a question about a topic, look it up in the Bible. Do not just research one verse, but every verse on that particular topic to get a complete picture.

(7) How many verses can you find with the words “knowledge” and “understanding”?

There are hundreds of verses that contain these two words. See how many you can find!

(8) Is knowledge a gift of the Holy Spirit? I Corinthians 12:8.

Yes, knowledge is a gift of the Spirit that can be asked of God in prayer.

(9) Is simply having the knowledge of God enough? Luke 12:48; James 2:19; Hebrews 10:26.

We must act on what we know. God has given us great treasure in knowing His way of life and His purpose. We must not squander it by viewing God’s Word as only “a nice story from a very old book.”

(10) What are the benefits of applying the knowledge of God and living His way of life? II Peter 1:2; Proverbs 24:1-5; Isaiah 33:6.

God is a loving Creator who wants the best for us. He wants us to live the good life and be filled with joy and happiness. Having the knowledge of God gives a purpose to living—a reason to get out of bed each morning and take on this world.

From the beginning, man has been off course in his pursuit of knowledge. He rejected the great opportunity to tap a never-ending source of information. As a result, he has endured 6,000 years of pain and suffering.

Yet God gives us the opportunity to learn His knowledge and way of life.

In the immediate future, when Christ sets up the kingdom of God, “…the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea” (Isa. 11:9).

For now, however, we must “grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ…” (II Pet. 3:18).