1 Corinthians 13:2 English Standard Version (ESV) And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.

Let us explore the issue of knowledge here and how it relates to love.

There was a man who bragged of all his exploits. There was no humility to be found. His theology was somewhat off target. At times it appeared that his words were leading some into danger. I stood against him and announced “No, that is not true.” Then I spoke truth into the situation. From that moment on he was careful not to speak up around me.

Sometime later he announced that he was leaving our church because there was no room for his ministry here. He took a dear widow woman with him whom he convinced that he was wise and learned in God’s word. I felt a responsibility for losing her from people that loved her.

Here is where I went wrong. I didn’t love that man. I failed to love him and my approach to his weaknesses prevented him from receiving any correction. Wisdom should have seen that correction can only be given to those who humble themselves and submit themselves to the authority of leadership.

It would have been better to reason with this man by at least asking him to consider relevant passages and include him in the discussion. My blunt approach shut the door to reason, stiffened his resolve, and perhaps even hardened his heart.

Proverbs 15:1-4 English Standard Version (ESV)

¹ A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
² The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly.
³ The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.
⁴ A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.

Hosea 4:6 English Standard Version (ESV) My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you have rejected knowledge, I reject you from being a priest to me. And since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.

That is a serious warning. Who is being warned and why? Is it the office of priest or the function of priest? How about parents? We do not want God to forget our children. When children are involved we tend to take warnings more seriously.

I learned a lesson yesterday from a pastor I respect. We discussed yesterday’s blog and the issues of misquoting the bible. He had not looked into that misquote and was intrigued by those thoughts. He had not thought to inquire about Micah 5:2. He was thankful that I had and complimented my diligence in studying God’s Word. The compliment stuck a cord of satisfaction in me that gave me pause to think.

Do I study God’s Word to serve God or to bolster my image as the answer man? It feels good to have others turn to us for answers. We want to be known as a dependable source of help. It is part of our service to the church, and to God. We hope to bring our people closer to God. We should however seek to be humble and not allow those feeling to feed our egos and cause pride to swell in our hearts.

I pondered what I had said about Herod being denied more prophecies in Micah 5 and I saw this.

Micah 5:5 English Standard Version (ESV) And he shall be their peace. When the Assyrian comes into our land and treads in our palaces, then we will raise against him seven shepherds and eight princes of men;

Jesus had twelve apostles. Who are these seven shepherds and eight leaders of men?

I cannot recall anyone asking about this issue. Would the naming of these men add any value to my library of knowledge? Would having a ready answer have any meaning if no one ever asks the question?