Preserving knowledge is a theme that resonates throughout the Bible, emphasizing the importance of maintaining and transmitting divine wisdom and understanding across generations. The Scriptures underscore the value of knowledge, particularly the knowledge of God, His laws, and His works, as essential for living a life that honors Him.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible frequently highlights the significance of preserving knowledge. In Proverbs 2:6, it is written, "For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding." This verse establishes that true knowledge originates from God and is a gift to be cherished and safeguarded.

The responsibility to preserve and pass on knowledge is evident in Deuteronomy 6:6-7, where Moses instructs the Israelites: "These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." This passage underscores the duty of parents to instill God's commandments in their children, ensuring that His teachings endure through successive generations.

Role of Scripture

The Bible itself serves as a primary means of preserving divine knowledge. In 2 Timothy 3:16-17, the Apostle Paul writes, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work." The Scriptures are portrayed as a comprehensive source of knowledge that equips believers for righteous living.

Wisdom Literature

The wisdom literature of the Old Testament, particularly the Book of Proverbs, is replete with exhortations to seek and preserve knowledge. Proverbs 4:5-7 advises, "Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn from them. Do not forsake wisdom, and she will preserve you; love her, and she will guard you. Wisdom is supreme; therefore acquire wisdom. And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding." Here, wisdom and understanding are depicted as treasures to be diligently sought and preserved.

The Role of the Church

The New Testament emphasizes the role of the Church in preserving and disseminating knowledge. In Ephesians 4:11-13, Paul explains that Christ "gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ, until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God." The Church is tasked with nurturing believers in the knowledge of Christ, fostering spiritual maturity and unity.

The Danger of Forgetting

The Bible also warns of the dangers of neglecting or forgetting divine knowledge. Hosea 4:6 declares, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you as My priests. Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children." This stark warning highlights the consequences of failing to preserve and adhere to God's knowledge.

Conclusion

Preserving knowledge, particularly the knowledge of God and His Word, is a vital biblical principle. It involves a commitment to teaching, learning, and living according to divine wisdom, ensuring that the truth of God is upheld and transmitted faithfully across generations.