The Bible speaks about an increase in knowledge during the last days, but it also warns about the dangers of false knowledge and deception. Let’s explore what Scripture says about wisdom, discernment, and knowledge as we approach the end times.
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What Does The Bible Say About Knowledge In The Last Days
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. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and seeking God with a wholehearted devotion and a willing mind. It highlights the idea that God understands our desires and thoughts and is willing to be found by those who genuinely seek Him. However, it also cautions against forsaking God, as there are consequences for turning away from Him.
Proverbs 1:7
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
This verse teaches us that having a reverential fear of the Lord is the starting point of true knowledge. It also contrasts this with the behavior of fools who despise wisdom and instruction. In other words, acknowledging God’s authority and seeking His wisdom are essential for acquiring knowledge as opposed to rejecting wisdom out of ignorance or arrogance.
Proverbs 9:10
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”
This verse echoes the sentiment of the previous verse, emphasizing that the fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. It further adds that understanding comes from having knowledge of the Holy One, implying that true wisdom goes beyond mere intellect and encompasses a deep spiritual connection with God.
Jeremiah 9:23-24
“This is what the Lord says: ‘Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice, and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,'” declares the Lord.”
This passage serves as a reminder that true knowledge should lead us to boast not in our own intellect, strength, or wealth but rather in our understanding and knowledge of God. It emphasizes that the Lord delights in those who know Him and recognize His qualities of kindness, justice, and righteousness.
Daniel 12:4
“But you, Daniel, roll up and seal the words of the scroll until the time of the end. Many will go here and there to increase knowledge.”
In this verse, Daniel is instructed to seal the words of the scroll until the appointed time. It foretells that in the last days, there will be a rapid increase in knowledge as people travel and seek to acquire more knowledge. This verses speaks to the idea of a widespread thirst for knowledge and an unprecedented access to information in the end times.
Matthew 11:25
“At that time Jesus said, ‘I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.”
Here, Jesus acknowledges that God reveals spiritual truths to those who have childlike faith, rather than those who rely solely on their human wisdom and intellectual prowess. It reminds us that acquiring true knowledge and understanding requires humility and a willingness to approach God with the heart of a child.
1 Corinthians 1:20
“Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?”
This verse challenges the wisdom of the world and highlights the contrast between human wisdom and divine wisdom. It suggests that the wisdom of this age is futile and limited compared to the wisdom that comes from God. It indicates that true knowledge goes beyond human intellect and requires a recognition of God’s wisdom.
1 Corinthians 1:27
“But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.”
In this verse, Paul emphasizes that God often uses what the world perceives as foolish or weak to bring about His purposes. It challenges the conventional standards of wisdom and power, suggesting that true knowledge does not always align with worldly expectations. It highlights the ways in which God’s wisdom transcends human understanding.
Colossians 2:2-3
“My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”
These verses highlight the importance of unity and love among believers as a means to attain complete understanding. They reveal that the mystery of God, which includes wisdom and knowledge, is found in Christ. It emphasizes the idea that true knowledge comes from knowing and experiencing the person of Jesus Christ.
2 Timothy 2:15
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”
This verse encourages believers to make every effort to be approved by God, by being diligent workers who handle the Word of God accurately. It emphasizes the importance of studying and understanding the Scriptures correctly as a means to acquire and discern truth effectively.
James 1:5
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
These words from James remind us that when we lack wisdom, we can confidently approach God and ask for it. It assures us that God is generous in giving wisdom to those who seek it sincerely. It encourages believers to rely on God’s wisdom rather than their own understanding.
James 3:17
“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”
This verse describes the characteristics of godly wisdom that originates from heaven. It highlights that true wisdom is not only pure but also promotes peace, displays consideration for others, shows humility, is marked by acts of mercy and bears good fruit. It recognizes that genuine knowledge is accompanied by a transformed character and righteous actions.
2 Peter 3:18
“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.”
Peter encourages believers to actively pursue growth in both the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. It reminds us that knowledge of Christ is not stagnant but is meant to increase and deepen over time. It affirms that the glory belongs to Christ, emphasizing the central role of Jesus in our pursuit of knowledge and understanding.
1 John 5:20
“We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true by being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.”
This verse declares that through Jesus Christ, the Son of God, we have been given understanding. It emphasizes that our knowledge of God is made possible through Jesus. It reinforces the idea that true knowledge and eternal life are found in having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 8:1
“Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that ‘We all possess knowledge.’ But knowledge puffs up while love builds up.”
In the context of addressing the issue of food sacrificed to idols, Paul warns against the dangers of knowledge that leads to arrogance. He highlights that knowledge alone can inflate one’s ego, but genuine love is what edifies and strengthens others. It underscores the importance of balancing knowledge with love and humility.
2 Corinthians 4:6
“For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.”
Paul affirms that the knowledge of God’s glory is revealed to us through Jesus Christ, who is the light shining into our hearts. It emphasizes that true knowledge comes through encountering the person of Jesus and experiencing the transformative power of His presence. It speaks to the revelation of divine truth through the illumination of the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 1:17
“I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.”
Paul’s prayer for the Ephesian believers highlights the need for the Spirit of wisdom and revelation to know God on a deeper level. It recognizes that true knowledge comes from the Holy Spirit’s work in revealing and enlightening our understanding. It emphasizes the significance of personal intimacy with God as the source of true knowledge.
Philippians 1:9
“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight.”
Paul’s prayer for the Philippians emphasizes the connection between love and knowledge. He desires that their love would increase alongside their knowledge and depth of insight. It suggests that love is not separate from knowledge, but rather, knowledge should lead to a greater capacity for love and discernment.
Colossians 1:9-10
“For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.”
Here, Paul prays that the believers in Colossae would be filled with the knowledge of God’s will, accompanied by wisdom and understanding from the Holy Spirit. He links knowledge with living a life pleasing to God, characterized by bearing fruit in good works and continual growth in the knowledge of God. It underscores the transformative power of true knowledge in shaping our lives.
2 Timothy 3:15
“and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”
Paul reminds Timothy of the significant role that Scripture plays in imparting wisdom for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. It suggests that the knowledge contained within God’s Word is instrumental in leading people to believe in Christ and receive salvation. It affirms the foundational role of Scripture as a source of spiritual knowledge.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
These verses emphasize the divine inspiration and authority of Scripture. It declares that all Scripture is God-breathed and serves various purposes, including teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness. It emphasizes that the knowledge obtained from Scripture is essential for believers to be fully equipped for living a life that is pleasing to God and engaging in good works.
Hebrews 4:12
“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
This verse portrays the powerful nature of God’s Word, likening it to a sharp sword that penetrates to the deepest parts of our being. It highlights the transformative and discerning nature of Scripture, capable of exposing the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. It underscores the efficacy of the Word in revealing truth and guiding our understanding.
1 Peter 3:15
“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”
Peter encourages believers to honor Christ as Lord in their hearts and to be ready to explain the reason for their hope to others. It suggests that having knowledge and understanding should be accompanied by a humble and respectful attitude. It reminds us of the importance of sharing our faith with gentleness and respect, using our knowledge to bear witness to Christ’s transformative power.
2 Peter 1:2-3
“Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.”
Peter blesses believers with grace and peace, which come abundantly through the knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord. He affirms that through our knowledge of Christ, we have been granted divine power to live a godly life. It reminds us that true knowledge is not simply an intellectual pursuit but a transformative journey that empowers us to live according to God’s plan.
2 Peter 3:17-18
“Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.”
In these verses, Peter urges believers to be watchful and alert, guarding against being swayed by false teachings. He encourages them to continue growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. It reminds us of the constant need to pursue deeper understanding and firmly hold onto the truth of Christ, acknowledging His authority and giving Him glory.
True knowledge in the last days is not simply about acquiring intellectual information or worldly wisdom. Instead, it is rooted in acknowledging and seeking God with a humble heart. The fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom and understanding, and it is through Christ that we have access to true knowledge. It is the Holy Spirit who enlightens our hearts and reveals the mysteries of God. This knowledge is not passive, but it ought to transform our character and actions, bearing fruit in love, righteousness, and good works. We are called to handle the Word of God accurately, allowing it to shape our thinking and discernment. Moreover, true knowledge is not an individual pursuit but must be accompanied by love, unity, and a commitment to live a life worthy of the Lord. As we grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ, we can confidently navigate the complexities of the last days, rooted in the wisdom that comes from above.
Overall, the Bible emphasizes that the pursuit of knowledge in the last days should not be separated from a genuine relationship with God. Knowing God and His ways are of utmost importance and can be attained through Jesus Christ. It is through the revelation of the Holy Spirit that we can truly understand and apply the knowledge of God. As we grow in this knowledge, we should strive to align our actions, thoughts, and attitudes with the truth and wisdom found in the Scriptures. It is not enough to know facts or head knowledge; rather, our pursuit of knowledge should result in a transformed life that honors and glorifies God.