Knowledge of the Word is important for the everyday Christian. I’m passionate about pursuing Bible Literacy and gaining a true understanding of the words spoken through the text. However, an important reminder for you and myself is that it means nothing if we don’t apply it. It means even less if we lack humility and use our knowledge just to look smarter and holier.

Applying What We Learn

Knowledge without wisdom is meaningless. You can have knowledge without wisdom, but you cannot have wisdom without knowledge. When knowledge is applied, it becomes wisdom.

If you accumulate knowledge just to impress people, it can lead to arrogance, but knowledge pursued with humility leads to true understanding.

“Humility is the only soil in which virtue takes root. A lack of humility explains every defect and failure. Humility is not just a virtue among others; it is the root of all other virtues.”

Andrew Murray

If you aren’t humble, your joy is false. If you lack humility, even your kindness may just be an attempt to impress others. True discipleship, service, and learning all require humility.

The Greek View of Humility

“Humility and holiness are twins in the astonishing birth of obedience in the heart.”

Thomas Kelly

Holiness requires humility. We can’t just choose one. If Jesus, the only one who should not be required to be humble, can still manage to show humility, then what’s our excuse? He, along with His disciples, often spoke passionately about humility. At a time when in Greek culture, humility was often seen as negative. The word for humility, tapeinos, was associated with subjugation and weakness. The Greeks valued personal freedom above all else, so humility was not highly regarded.

Yet, in the New Testament, the same word is used 34 times, always with a positive connotation. Jesus and the disciples redefined humility as essential.

Too Much Knowledge Without Humility Will Destroy You

If the step of humility is skipped it results in delusions of grandeur. Humility is the foundation of all the other virtues. If you brag about your generosity then it spoils the generosity.”

Lakota Native Americans

A lack of humility not only spoils your other virtues and efforts, it can destroy you. Imagine a balloon filling with air as you gain knowledge. If you remain humble, you can release excess air and stay balanced. But if you keep inflating yourself with pride, refusing to let humility ground you, eventually—you pop.

Pursue knowledge, but do so with a heart of humility. Let God shape your wisdom, and let your study of His word draw you closer to Him. Otherwise, we miss the entire point.