Our message for today starts in the Book of Proverbs. Let’s read Proverbs chapter 2, verses 1–5:
My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, [and] apply thine heart to understanding; Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.
Proverbs 2:1-5
Eight Steps Towards Receiving the Knowledge of God
Let’s examine 8 steps towards receiving the knowledge of God as found in our text. After that, we’ll move on to its broader implications.
Receive my words.
The journey begins with humble acceptance. Open your heart and receive God’s Word as it is—without doubt or resistance. This is active reception. The Lord Jesus declared, “He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life” (John 5:24). Faith comes “by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). Let pride and unbelief be set aside—receive His truth today!
Hide my commandments with thee.
Treasure them inwardly. Hide God’s commandments in your heart, as the psalmist prayed: “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Psalm 119:11). Memorize, meditate, and cherish them so they become part of your very being. The Word of God is “quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword” (Hebrews 4:12). When trials come, these hidden truths will rise up to sustain and guide you.
Incline thine ear unto wisdom.
Actively listen! Wisdom cries aloud, but we must bend our ear toward it. The Lord says, “Hearken unto me, ye that follow after righteousness” (Isaiah 51:1). In a world of distractions, deliberately tune your ear to wisdom’s voice. Jesus taught, “He that hath ears to hear, let him hear” (Matthew 11:15). Incline your ear daily through prayerful reading of Scripture, and the still, small voice of God will speak to your soul.
Apply thine heart to understanding.
Do not stop at hearing—direct your heart fully to understanding. The heart is the seat of will and affection, so give it wholly to this pursuit. Solomon warns, “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life” (Proverbs 4:23). When your heart is set on understanding, you will discern God’s ways. “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5).
Cry after knowledge
The pursuit now becomes passionate! Cry out for knowledge as a child cries for its parent. David cried, “I cried unto the Lord with my voice; with my voice unto the Lord did I make my supplication” (Psalm 142:1). This is earnest, fervent prayer. James promises, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him” (James 1:5). Cry out—He will answer!
Lift up thy voice for understanding.
Raise your voice boldly and persistently! This is not a whisper but a fervent cry. David declared, “I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies” (Psalm 18:3). The Lord heard the cries of His people in Egypt and delivered them (Exodus 3:7). Lift your voice in private prayer, in the congregation, and in the secret place—do not be silent!
Seek understanding as silver.
Value it above earthly riches! Pursue understanding with the same intensity you would seek silver or gold. Jesus taught, “The kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field” (Matthew 13:44). In Christ “are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3). Seek understanding more than wealth, for it is eternal.
Search for understanding as for hid treasures.
Dig deep and search diligently! This requires effort, patience, and perseverance. Jeremiah promised, “Ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13). The Bereans were commended for “searching the scriptures daily” (Acts 17:11). Do not grow weary—keep searching, for the knowledge of God awaits those who seek with all their might!
The Knowledge of God
Now, let’s consider more broadly the knowledge of God. I speak not of God’s infinite knowledge—He knows all things perfectly—but of the knowledge that we, as sinners saved by grace, may have of Him. This is personal, intimate acquaintance with the Almighty that transforms the soul.
What Is the Knowledge of God?
It is knowing God as He has revealed Himself in His Word and in His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. It means understanding His holiness, mercy, justice, and love. It is not mere facts about God, but a living relationship in which we walk with Him, trust Him, and love Him with all our heart.
The Danger of Living Without It
The prophet Hosea declared to a backslidden nation: “Hear the word of the LORD, ye children of Israel: for the LORD hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land” (Hosea 4:1). Without the knowledge of God, truth and mercy vanish, and sin floods in—swearing, lying, killing, stealing, adultery. A nation or soul without this knowledge heads for destruction; God Himself has a controversy against those who ignore Him.
The Lord again says through Hosea: “For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings” (Hosea 6:6). Religious rituals—services, offerings, ceremonies—profit nothing without knowing God. He desires your heart to know Him, not empty motions.
Paul wrote to a carnal church: “Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame” (1 Corinthians 15:34). Ignorance of God leads directly to sin and keeps people asleep in unrighteousness—a shameful thing for any professing believer.
Why We Need the Knowledge of God
We need it because without it we perish. Our thoughts rebel against the Creator. Paul describes our warfare: “casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5). Proud philosophies and vain imaginations fortress themselves against knowing God. The devil blinds us with human wisdom that excludes Him. We must tear down every barrier and bring every thought captive to Christ.
The Blessing of the Knowledge of God
The knowledge of God brings a glorious promise: “Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord” (2 Peter 1:2). This knowledge multiplies grace and peace in abundance—the more you know Him, the more His favor and peace guard your heart.
Solomon declares the result of seeking it: “Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding” (Proverbs 2:5-6). It produces reverent fear that guards from sin, delivers from evil paths, preserves your way, and leads to righteousness.
Above all, the knowledge of God is eternal life itself: “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent” (John 17:3).
The Invitation
Do you know Him today—not just about Him, but personally, savingly, joyfully? If not, seek Him while He may be found. Cry out for this knowledge as hidden treasure. Cast down every proud thought. Come to Christ, the perfect revelation of the Father, and find grace and peace multiplied.
May the Lord grant you this unspeakable gift—the knowledge of God. Amen.
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