1 ….We know that “we all have knowledge.” Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. (1 Corinthians 8:1 CSB)

There are a great many things in this world to gain knowledge about. Some of it is greatly useful, much of it is trivial, and some of it is indispensable. But regardless, how we use this knowledge is really the more important matter.

If knowledge to its own end is our goal, we may find that we “puff” ourselves up with too much pride around what we know. Leveraging knowledge to help others in a loving way can build them up, making us both better. When we hoard knowledge then we fool ourselves into thinking that only we have the right ideas and the right plan. Only God has the right plan.

Furthermore, the gaining of knowledge for knowledge’s sake can be a sin unto itself. What use is it if we do not use and pass this along. What use if it is only we who are built up and edified by what we know. This is selfish, vain ambition which leads to spiritual ruin.

No, the best use of knowledge is in the pursuit of helping others. When we endeavor to utilize what we know to benefit others we find that we too benefit ourselves. So too, when we celebrate others knowledge and achievements, building them up over ourselves, we heap blessings upon them and ourselves.

You see the best use of knowledge is in the edification of others.