Scripture for Today: Daniel 1:9 “To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds.”

“Rabbit’s clever,” said Pooh thoughtfully. “Yes,” said Piglet, “Rabbit’s clever.” “And he has Brain.” “Yes,” said Piglet, “Rabbit has Brain.” There was a long silence. “I suppose,” said Pooh, “that that’s why he never understands anything.”― A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh How astute of Pooh! He surprises me with his funny insights. And it does seem that the more we think, study and learn, the more we realize how little we know and understand.

Today’s verse refers to Daniel and 3 other young men of Israel’s nobility who were taken captive by the King of Babylon. These four were singled out among all the captives to be trained for special service to the King, as they showed aptitude for learning and were well informed (vs. 3-4). These men were committed to keeping their dietary laws and God blessed their faithfulness with something they would desperately need. He gave them knowledge and understanding. Their own efforts at learning would be enhanced by this gift.

There is a whole dimension to knowledge and understanding that is missed when the Source is denied or ignored. It is from the mouth of the Lord that knowledge and wisdom come (Prov. 2:6). And knowing Him is understanding (Prov. 9:10). Although study, research and efforts to learn are very important, they can somehow fall short of that elusive step of understanding. How wonderful that God graciously offers it to those who fear and obey His Word! I will never understand it all this side of Heaven. But whatever I do understand is His gift to me.

Thank you Lord for the understanding You give.

Scripture for Today: I Timothy 6:20b-21 “…Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge, which some have professed and in so doing have departed from the faith.”

Meet the pangolin. Although he looks like a reptile, he is a mammal. And because of those funny looking scales, he is the most poached and trafficked animal. They are made of keratin, the same stuff of hair and nails. But in some Asian countries they are thought to have medicinal properties. Because of what most would consider a false idea, their numbers are declining in their Asian and African habitats and they are at risk of extinction.

Today’s verse tells us to turn away from what is falsely called “knowledge.” If what we are hearing discounts completely God’s existence, then it is “godless.” Ideas opposing the absolute truth of Scripture may sound learned and intelligent, but it is not true knowledge. Those who adopt what opposes Scripture are at risk to leave the faith. But turning away from what pretends to be knowledge is not done in pride. Rather it is done in humility, recognizing that we too can be unduly influenced and leave the faith.

I do not want to “write off” those who hold to false ideas. I turn away so as to not be enticed myself by something that contradicts what God has made clear in His Word. I need to remember that it is the Lord that gives wisdom, from His mouth come knowledge and understanding (Prov. 2:6). True knowledge is knowing and loving the Source of truth (John 14:6). But I need to not only turn a deaf ear to what is false, but live out what I know to be the truth!

Lord, keep me turned away from false knowledge but loving the one who is deceived!