Topical Bible: Knowledge is Pleasant

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Topical Encyclopedia

The phrase "knowledge is pleasant" finds its roots in the wisdom literature of the Bible, particularly in the book of Proverbs. This concept underscores the value and desirability of knowledge, especially when it is aligned with the fear of the Lord and the pursuit of wisdom.

Biblical Foundation

Proverbs 2:10-11 states, "For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will delight your soul. Discretion will watch over you, and understanding will guard you." Here, knowledge is depicted as a source of delight and pleasure, suggesting that it is not merely an accumulation of facts but a deeper understanding that brings joy and satisfaction to the soul.

Proverbs 24:13-14 further illustrates this idea: "Eat honey, my son, for it is good, and the honeycomb is sweet to your taste. Know that wisdom is sweet for your soul. If you find it, there is a future for you, and your hope will not be cut off." The comparison of knowledge and wisdom to honey emphasizes their pleasantness and desirability, indicating that they are to be sought after and savored.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the pleasantness of knowledge is closely tied to its divine origin. In the biblical worldview, true knowledge begins with the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 1:7: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline"). This foundational principle suggests that knowledge is not merely intellectual but is deeply spiritual, rooted in a relationship with God.

The pursuit of knowledge, therefore, is not an end in itself but a means to grow closer to God and to live a life that is pleasing to Him. As believers seek knowledge, they are encouraged to do so with humility and reverence, recognizing that all true knowledge comes from God and leads back to Him.

Practical Application

In practical terms, the pleasantness of knowledge encourages believers to engage in lifelong learning and to cultivate a love for truth. This pursuit is not limited to spiritual or theological knowledge but extends to all areas of life, as all truth is God's truth. Christians are called to be discerning, to test all things, and to hold fast to what is good (1 Thessalonians 5:21: "but test all things. Hold fast to what is good").

Moreover, the pleasantness of knowledge serves as a motivation for teaching and discipleship within the Christian community. As believers grow in knowledge, they are equipped to teach others, to defend their faith, and to live out the gospel in a world that often values ignorance over understanding.

Conclusion

While the Bible does not explicitly use the phrase "knowledge is pleasant," the concept is woven throughout its teachings, particularly in the wisdom literature. Knowledge, when pursued with the right heart and in the context of a relationship with God, is indeed a source of great joy and satisfaction.

Nave's Topical Index

Proverbs 2:10
When wisdom enters into your heart, and knowledge is pleasant to your soul;
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Whether Wonder is a Cause of Pleasure?
... And yet things that are of rare occurrence can be pleasant, either as regards knowledge,
from the fact that we desire to know something about them, in so far ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether wonder is a cause.htm

November 16 Morning
... When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul:
discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee. ...
/.../anonymous/daily light on the daily path/november 16 morning.htm

Whether Movement is a Cause of Pleasure?
... On the part of the knowledge itself (change becomes pleasant), because man desires
to know something whole and perfect: when therefore a thing cannot be ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether movement is a cause.htm

The Love of God, in his Nature Superior to all Creatures, is ...
... God, in His Nature Superior to All Creatures, is Acquired by the Knowledge of the ...
nor the splendour of time, nor the radiance of the light, so pleasant to our ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/chapter vi the love of god.htm

Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and ...
... Chap. ii. from ver.10. to the end. "When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and
knowledge is pleasant to thy soul; discretion shall preserve thee, understanding ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/section v scriptures showing the.htm

Whether Operation is the Proper Cause of Pleasure?
... or looking at certain things; or in some other way in addition to knowledge; as
when ... the effect of an operation, that is the end, this effect is pleasant in so ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether operation is the proper.htm

Of Existence, and Knowledge of It, and the Love of Both.
... And truly the very fact of existing is by some natural spell so pleasant, that even ...
And how much human nature loves the knowledge of its existence, and how it ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 27 of existence and knowledge.htm

Knowledge and Self-Confidence
... Cicero not only in pleading never appeared at a loss in knowledge of the law ... generals
in waging wars do not always march their armies over pleasant plains, but ...
/.../kleiser/the training of a public speaker/knowledge and self-confidence.htm

The Rewards of Listening to the Advice of the Wise
... For wisdom shall enter your mind, And knowledge shall be pleasant to you, Discretion
shall watch over you, And understanding shall guard you, To keep you from ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/the rewards of listening to.htm

Letter v. Society --Conversation.
... Nevertheless, one must have a good groundwork of knowledge of books in ... and suggestions
for aiding young people to become agreeable and pleasant conversers must ...
/.../letter v societyconversation.htm