Knowledge Puffs Up

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.”