Finding True Knowledge
Knowledge, we are told, is available to anyone who will study hard. Facts and evidence are said to be the foundation for knowledge. Although this sounds logical, historically this method has not produced truth. Even a small amount of error, such as a little assumption, can so contaminate knowledge that it fails the test of truth.
For hundreds of years doctors knew and taught that stomach ulcers were caused by stress. Then a doctor from Australia accidentally discovered bacteria associated with ulcers that reproduced so slowly that normal culture methods did not detect them. It took doctors years to unlearn the knowledge that they had verified so many times. Doctors now use antibiotics to treat stomach ulcers and the statistics for cures have improved dramatically. Aha, you say, study and hard work really do produce knowledge. The idea that evidence and facts produce certainty in the field of medicine does not hold up historically. Statistical double blind studies in the field of medicine are continuously being replaced by other double bind studies ad nauseam. In the light of even recent history, we should be cautious of certainty in the field of medicine. Perhaps effects cannot be linked to causes because the issues are more complex than our statistical methods can anticipate. A bacterium uses millions of complex simultaneous and sequential steps just to reproduce itself. The bacteria associated with stomach ulcers even irritates the stomach into producing its food. They interact with their environment in highly complex ways. Things that act together or in parallel often cannot be categorized into simple causes and effects. After thousands of statistical studies we have not been able to certify the causes or cures for cancer. Cancer may have thousands of possible causes which may work in various combinations. Cancers also can affect their environment in parallel so that causes and effects get all mixed up. A cancer can stimulate the body to produce more capillaries which in turn stimulate the growth of the cancer. Logic and statistics cannot solve complex intertwined actions.
We are told that scientists just analyze the evidence and the result is knowledge. You cannot analyze evidence without first having preexistent knowledge. You will then interpret the evidence according to your assumptions. The interpretation of evidence circles back to reinforce your preexistent knowledge. Even a tiny little assumption can dramatically affect your whole system of knowledge. Why do astronomers invent undetectable stuff like dark matter, dark energy and space time expansion? They are actually convinced by their mathematics that these undetectable things exist. We rarely question our most basic assumptions. The result is scientists have to invent stuff that is aether like - invisible - undetectable - even unscientific. The problem with knowledge is that it requires assumptions. It is normal to interpret the evidence in a circular way that reinforces the untested basis for our thinking. All branches of knowledge are so affected. Psychology invents invisible ids and egos to bolster its system. Astronomers invent invisible dark energy to account for their observations. Geologists invent invisible subduction to make the earth work according to their theories. Physicists invent invisible subatomic “particles” to account for quantum strangeness.
In the world of medical or scientific knowledge, there is little certainty. Their knowledge may be proven false tomorrow. The Bible, however, claims to tell the truth. It is not surprising that the Biblical methods for finding knowledge disagree with the world’s methods. Biblical knowledge involves evidence, study and hard work but that is not enough.
Knowledge according to the Bible is hidden. Proverbs 25:2 says “It is the glory of God to conceal a matter [or cause].” Proverbs 2:6 - 7 “For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding. He stores up sound wisdom for the upright . . . ” The word “stores up” comes from a word meaning hide by covering over. The Hebrew word for “sound wisdom” comes from a root meaning to provide evidence to support or prove the truth of something. The same Hebrew word is translated success in Job 5:12 “He frustrates the plotting of the shrewd, So that their hands cannot attain success.” Paul quotes this verse when arguing that God defeats the wise with their own wisdom (I Corinthians 3:19 -20). God has so made the universe so that human wisdom cannot achieve success in their quest for truth.
The Lord gives knowledge and understanding freely in His Word to those who are upright. If it is hidden then how could it be freely available in His Word? Jesus talked about the key of knowledge in Luke 11:52. In the Bible knowledge is a divine gift that the foolish hate. Jesus taught in John 7:17 “If any man is willing to do His will, he shall know of the teaching, whether it is of God, or whether I speak from Myself.” One’s attitude towards obeying God is key to finding true knowledge. In fact, the fear of the Lord is the beginning, the key, to knowledge. This fear is not being afraid of God, but being afraid of doing what He says is wicked.
What kind of knowledge do you need? Do you have a problem that needs a right decision? Do you want to understand the answer to the age of the universe? Are you grappling with how to find joy or purpose in life? The Bible has answers. The biblical answers will not fit your preexistent knowledge. Do not make the mistake of trying to adapt biblical wisdom and the world’s wisdom.
The world says you must find what makes you happy because life is short. Matthew 16:25 “For whoever wishes to save his life shall lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake shall find it.” Ecclesiastes explains that any attempt to find meaning, purpose or joy in life will be like chasing the wind. God however freely gives joy and purpose to those who honor him. The book of Proverbs contains principles for life. A principle is a fundamental truth that serves as a foundation for belief or action. How can I appropriate this kind of knowledge and wisdom? You must desire to act upon the truth - to put it to work - and then you will know the truth.
The most amazing thing about the truth from the Bible is that
it
sets you free. Jesus said in John
8:31 - 32 “If you abide in My word, then you are truly disciples of
Mine; and you shall know the
truth, and the truth shall make you free.” The world talks a great deal
about knowledge, freedom
and life. If you really want to do God’s will, then study and seek for
wisdom like buried treasure
and you will find it. It is not difficult to find truth if you will
fear the Lord and study His Word. The truth will give you untold joy.
The truth will set you free.
Victor McAllister March 4, 2004