DO YOU WANT TO BE A TRUE SCHOLAR—ACCORDING TO GOD?

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

We live in a world that values knowledge. From academic degrees to endless online information, we are constantly pushed to know more, learn more, and accomplish more. But here’s a deep and sobering question: What does God consider true wisdom or scholarship?

King Solomon, the wisest man to ever live (1 Kings 4:29-34), addressed this question after a lifetime of study and reflection. In the book of Ecclesiastes, written toward the end of his life, Solomon evaluates human pursuits—including the pursuit of knowledge—and comes to a powerful conclusion:

Ecclesiastes 12:12–13
“Be warned, my son, of anything in addition to [God’s words]. Of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body. Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.”

This is not a rejection of learning or study—after all, Scripture calls us to grow in knowledge (Proverbs 4:7; 2 Peter 1:5–6). But Solomon’s point is that true wisdom is not just about accumulating information; it is rooted in a relationship with God. The Hebrew phrase translated “fear God” (yirat Elohim) refers to reverence, awe, submission, and worship. It’s an attitude of the heart that leads to obedience.

The Apostle Paul echoes this when he says:

1 Corinthians 8:1
“Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.”

In other words, knowledge without love and humility can become dangerous. It can inflate the ego but fail to transform the soul. That’s why Solomon concludes: the ultimate goal is not intellectual mastery but spiritual surrender.

What Does It Mean to Keep God’s Commandments?

As Christians, we understand that the law and the prophets point to Christ (Matthew 5:17; Luke 24:27). Therefore, to “keep God’s commandments” in the New Covenant means to follow Jesus—obeying His teachings and walking in His love.

John 13:34–35
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

This is not just a suggestion—it is the central command of the Christian life. Jesus is clear that love is the fulfillment of the law (Romans 13:10). To walk in love is to walk in obedience. And this love is not mere emotion—it’s sacrificial, selfless, Christlike love (agape).

Therefore, you may have read a thousand books, but if you haven’t learned how to love like Jesus, you’ve missed the most important lesson.

True Wisdom vs. Worldly Knowledge

Today, many pursue education thinking it will lead to fulfillment, success, or even a deeper understanding of God. But Solomon warns that endless study can become wearisome, especially when it lacks a God-centered foundation. The New Testament affirms this:

2 Timothy 3:7
“…always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth.”

True knowledge isn’t just mental—it’s relational. It involves knowing God personally through Jesus Christ (John 17:3). And this knowledge transforms our hearts and leads to practical obedience.

Even the apostle John, reflecting on the overwhelming richness of Jesus’ ministry, says:

John 21:25
“Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.”

That verse reminds us that the message of Christ is vast, yet accessible to all. Though the world couldn’t contain all the books about Him, His essential message is simple: believe, follow, and love.

So, Who Is a Scholar in God’s Eyes?

A scholar, in the biblical sense, is not simply someone who knows much but someone who lives out God’s truth. Someone who doesn’t just study the Word but obeys it (James 1:22).

Proverbs 1:7
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

God measures scholarship not by academic titles, but by a heart that fears Him and a life that reflects His character.

Don’t misunderstand—there is value in education and learning. Scripture encourages growth in wisdom and understanding. But never let your pursuit of knowledge replace your pursuit of Christ. As the saying goes, “You can be educated and still be lost.”

So here’s the challenge: Let’s not just be readers of the Word—let’s be doers. Let’s not just seek information—let’s seek transformation.

Put your greatest effort into living out the truths of the Bible, especially the command to love. That is the mark of a true disciple and, in God’s eyes, a true scholar.