THE BEGINNING OF KNOWLEDGE – Part Two

The Beginning of Knowledge – Part Two

by John S Picarello

Proverbs 2:10
“For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.”

In Part One I wrote briefly about the wisdom behind making God the reference point of all knowledge.  Using Proverbs 1:7 as our starting point: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” My thoughts were more along the lines of an introductory nature.  In continuing my thoughts here, I’m drawn to the truth that 1. God who made all things owns all things, and knows how all things are intended to function. 

2. God desires all people to receive His wisdom and knowledge, which is readily available to all who believe Him and seek Him for it. 

God Who Created All Things Owns All Things 

The Scriptures declare that God is the maker of all things (the heavens and the earth), since He created it all, He owns it all, including all who live on the earth;  Psalm 24:1 says, “The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” If God owns it all, then in His providential care of His creation, He has all things under His control. There is not so much as a stray thought coming from any of the billions of people who live on the earth, that God isn’t already aware of – even before they think it! David told his son Solomon as much in 1 Chronicles 28:9;  “And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every desire and every thought.”

Think of it, not only does God know about every event before it happens, He understands every thought behind its planning, as well as the people’s intentions for planning it! Consider David’s words in Psalm 139:2-4; “You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.  You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you, LORD, know it completely.”  It simple common sense to understand that since all that takes place, is either decreed or permitted by God.  So, even the ability to think originates with Him. This means that all God’s thoughts are original! No one came or existed before Him. Since the entire created order began with God, His thoughts, wisdom and knowledge of all things are all original and absolutely comprehensive on all matters!  All that can possibly and accurately be known and understood by people, comes from examining and pondering things God has created. Think about it, even when we create something, we can only do so by using materials God has already created and placed at our disposal. It all begins with God.

God Desires All People to Receive His Wisdom and Knowledge

The Scriptures teach that God desires to give wisdom, knowledge and understanding to all people. Proverbs 2:6 says; “For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” He has placed His signature on all He’s created, so His wisdom and knowledge are easily seen by all.  Psalm 19:1-2 says; “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.  Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge.” And Paul writes; “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse (Romans 1:20).

Just as David discovered and recorded in Psalm 139, Paul understood and recorded as well (see Colossians 1:15-17, Romans 11:36) . All creation itself is declaring to any humble inquirer “We are made by God!” No human being on the earth or travelling through space can escape encountering the wisdom and knowledge of God. David says in Psalm 139:7-10; “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.”  I agree with David’s conclusion, encountering God whether we recognize it or not, is inescapable. This may be an unpleasant thought to those who have no desire to know Him, but it’s a comforting truth to all who do. -JSP