Higher Everyday

Key Verse

“And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad. But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness” (Acts 26:24, 25).

Text — Daniel 1:17-21

Message

Festus accused Paul of too much learning. He also diagnosed that his learning had led to a problem – madness. But which is better, a little learning or too much learning? Let Alexander Pope answer the question.

 “A little learning is a dangerous thing; Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian Spring; There shallow draughts intoxicate the brain, And drinking largely sobers us again.”  These are the opening sentences of Alexander Pope’s famous essay titled, “An Essay on Criticism.” It is an apt description of the dangers of half-baked knowledge. A little knowledge is indeed dangerous because it tends to make one proud and conceited.  But with more knowledge, comes humility and sobriety. Some people (like Festus) erroneously believe that too much learning will make one mad. But Paul disagreed completely. Truly, it was his great learning of the Old Testament scriptures and the help of the Holy Spirit that enabled him to rightly interpret and apply them in his letters and epistles in the light of the New Testament era.  Wise men will still continue learning.

Quote

With more knowledge comes humility

Challenge

little knowledge is dangerous

Prayer for today

O Lord, teach me thy path.