Knowledge Puffs up But Love Edifies
What does, “Knowledge
puffs up, but love edifies” really mean? I have wondered about this scripture
for a long time. I know knowledge is good—the Bible even says in 2 Peter 3:18, “but
grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” So why
does the Bible say “knowledge puffs up, but love edifies”? What does this actually mean? This question lingered
in my thoughts behind the veil of reason for a long time.
I have heard people knock
knowledge with a “you just have to love” philosophy—even heard this flow from
pulpits. People have explain this scripture to mean that love is what matters
and knowledge is a deterrent—a deviation—from love. Basically, “knowledge
divides, love edifies.”
We all have a reservoir
of knowledge stored in our brains—knowledge from academics and experience.
This knowledge is accessible at will. I can draw from this reservoir anytime I
choose. You ask me a question, I draw from its waters. You are going through
some tough times or need help, I can give advice at will. However, my response
to you may or may not be good. It may seem good, but is it from the Holy
Spirit? Is it wisdom? Or is it just knowledge puffing up?
Knowledge is not bad;
knowledge is good! But, what we do with our knowledge or which knowledge
reservoir we draw from determines whether or not the knowledge is helpful or
from God.
The goal is knowledge
drawn from the reservoir of love. Let’s look at this scripture in its context.
Paul is answering a
question from the Corinthian church.
1 Corinthians 8 “Now
concerning things offered to idols: We know that we all have knowledge.
Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. And if anyone thinks that he knows
anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know. But if anyone loves God,
this one is known by Him. Therefore concerning the eating of things offered to
idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is no other
God but one.”
This is the issue: An
idol is nothing. But there are those whose consciences are defiled when we (who
have knowledge) eat things offered to idols. Our knowledge is accurate, but we
are living out that knowledge in a way that is harmful to another—our knowledge
leads us into a liberty that another has not found. Our actions, therefore,
leads them into a place of confusion where they may eat without understanding.
And so their conscience is defiled. This is exactly the thought behind Romans 14:23
“But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith;
for whatever is not from faith is sin.”
Romans 14 is an
explanation of our freedom in Christ. Freedom from law, but not freedom from
conscience or love.
How does this look today?
(I doubt anyone reading this has an issue with eating food sacrificed to idols.)
The other day while I was in a Bible study, the leader was discussing why it is
so very important to start the day with Bible study and prayer. I live in the
culture of the Holy Spirit. He is my every waking thought—I live in incredible
freedom in my relationship with Him. I tried to explain this to those around
me. I don’t usually start off my day with Bible study. Or with a devoted time
of bending the knees. I sit with the Lord and drink coffee. I study when I want
to—because I want to. I talk to the Lord because it is not only what I want to
do, but it is habit. I talk to Him all day. This is the fruit of my walking
with the Lord for 36 years! Not all have this knowledge; not all understand
what I’m talking about or even know this lifestyle is available.
I can injure others who
have not developed this “habit” by exposing my freedom. My freedom has come
through much interaction with the Holy Spirit and discipline. Those who are
just beginning in their walk or who haven’t lived in a deep personal
relationship with the Lord need to develop discipline. My knowledge puffed up
without my consideration of others. I wanted them all to experience my freedom.
Forcing yourself to say “Good Morning” to the Holy Spirit first thing just
seemed distasteful to me, like forcing yourself to say “I love you” to your
spouse when it should come naturally.
My knowledge puffed up.
It was my intention to promote freedom, but I doubt that I did. I want everyone to
live in freedom and a love relationship with the Lord, but some are not there
yet. I don’t not want my freedom to be used in a way that will hurt others. If
there was time for me to explain in depth the process I went through, how there
were (and still are) times when I must discipline myself, then maybe it could
have turned out better. But, that probably was not the case.
People who want to talk
and express themselves (a lot) and promote their ideas probably also puff up (or
out) their knowledge quite a bit.
Take a seat.
Let the Lord prompt you when to
speak and how to speak it.
Consider if your knowledge is really what others
need to hear or just what you want to say.
Is it helpful?
Is it right?
Is it
flowing out of the reservoir of love with the intent of edification?
That is
the intent of “Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies.”
