What are the bible proverbs about knowledge? Find out in this article with commentary on each verse.
Introduction
In the Bible, there is good knowledge and evil knowledge. Good knowledge is knowledge from God. It’s knowing God’s word, his commandments, and His ways. Evil knowledge comes from the devil, who leads people into living evil lives.
13 Bible proverbs about knowledge
Proverbs 1:7
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
This is one of the most popular and memorised proverbs. It is also the cornerstone of the book of Proverbs. Extreme respect for God is the beginning of knowledge. Without reverential awe of God, one cannot gain knowledge. Without knowledge, there is no life.
Proverbs 1:22
How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?
This proverb challenges people to stop living average lives and opt for a higher life. The first step is to seek knowledge. Knowledge will lead to an understanding of life.
Proverbs 1:29
For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD:
This verse complements Proverbs 1:7 (The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom). Those who do not fear the Lord will never gain knowledge. They live their lives in ignorance.
Proverbs 3:20
By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.
This proverb boasts of the supremacy of God. It shows off His craftsmanship, how He can break even the ocean floors. He created clouds that give rain to the earth. The knowledge of God is bottomless. This all-knowing God encourages human beings to seek knowledge and gain some understanding of Him.
Proverbs 2:6
For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.
God is the only source of knowledge. We gain knowledge by reading and experiencing. As Christians, we need to read the word of God, experience it, and apply it to our lives.
Proverbs 2:10
When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul;
We find wisdom and knowledge in the word of God. These are the fountains of life. These are the foundation of a believer. King Solomon had wisdom and knowledge, God blessed him abundantly. A man who has wisdom and knowledge has the greatest treasure.
Proverbs 8:10
Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold.
Which is better, money or knowledge? Whilst many may choose money, money cannot buy joy. Money does not buy a place in Heaven, it does not guarantee an eternity with Jesus. It is an earthly possession that can be lost anytime. Knowledge on the other hand is priceless. Knowledge offers eternal wisdom and prosperity.
Proverbs 9:10
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.
This is a reiteration of Proverbs 1:7. Whilst the fear of the Lord is only the beginning, which means there is more to come, probably an elevated understanding that leads to a life full of blessings. Solomon keeps repeating this theme because he himself walked in the fear of the Lord and his wisdom and knowledge spread throughout the world.
Proverbs 12:11
He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding.
Instruction is the word of God. All scripture is God-breathed to inspire and instruct. Therefore those who love the word of God love knowledge. Those who reject correction reject the word of God and the knowledge that He freely gives to all who seek it.
Proverbs 14:6
A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth.
A scoffer is a person who mocks what they do not understand because they think they know better. This person does not find wisdom. For the one who has an understanding of the word of God, his knowledge comes from God.
Proverbs 15:14
The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.
The writer draws a parallel between the one who seeks knowledge and a fool. Discerning is the ability to distinguish between right and wrong. The discerning heart knows how to choose and seek knowledge. In contrast, fools only focus on earthly things.
Proverbs 18:15
The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.
The heart of a descerning man is always thirsty for knowledge. The only knowledge that is worth acquiring is the knowledge of God. And the wise man knows well enough to seek this knowledge.
Proverbs 20:15
There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.
All the wealth in the world can not amount to lips that speak knowledge. They are a rare jewel. Knowledge comes from God that is why it is rare. It is not acquired from by man’s worldly theories.
Conclusion
True knowledge comes from God. He is the source of everything that is good. Seeking knowledge is seeking God. Seek and you shall find.
