The Excellency Of Knowledge; How Through Knowledge Men Excel

 

By Godwin Chris Ike 

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In every generation, there exists a distinguishing factor between those who lead and those who follow, between those who rise and those who remain in obscurity. That factor is knowledge. The excellency of knowledge is not just found in its accumulation but in its transformative power—it is the divine tool through which men rise, reign, and rule. In every sphere of life—spiritual, economic, social, or intellectual—knowledge is the secret ingredient to excellence.

1. The Biblical Root of Knowledge and Excellence

The Bible profoundly declares:
“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” – Proverbs 4:7
Also,
“By knowledge shall the just be delivered.” – Proverbs 11:9

From the beginning, God showed us that He operates by knowledge. Creation itself was a display of divine intelligence. When God created man in His image (Genesis 1:26), He imparted to him the capacity for knowledge. This was the basis of man’s dominion mandate—to subdue and have dominion over the earth. It was not by brute strength but through applied knowledge.

Excellence is never accidental; it is the result of intentional growth in knowledge.

2. Knowledge: The Lifter of Men

Consider the lives of biblical figures who rose to prominence:

• Joseph excelled in Egypt not merely because he was favored but because of his ability to interpret dreams and offer wise counsel (Genesis 41:39-40). Pharaoh said, “There is none so discreet and wise as thou art.” Joseph’s knowledge promoted him.

• Daniel, in a foreign land, became ten times better than his peers (Daniel 1:20) because he was filled with “knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom.” His consistent rise through Babylonian and Persian empires was tied to his deep understanding and insight.

• Solomon, famed for wisdom, attracted the attention of the nations, including the Queen of Sheba, because of the excellence of his knowledge.

These examples affirm that knowledge elevates. It brings visibility, credibility, and authority. Men excel to the degree of the knowledge they possess and apply.

3. Knowledge vs Ignorance: The Battle for Greatness

Ignorance is a costly limitation. The prophet Hosea declares:
“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…” – Hosea 4:6

This is a divine lament. It shows that even God’s people—those with covenant and promise—can suffer defeat, stagnation, and destruction, not for lack of faith, but for lack of knowledge. The absence of knowledge is the presence of limitation. A man may pray fervently, yet remain small if he lacks knowledge.

What one does not know, he cannot master. And what he cannot master, he cannot reign over.

4. The Excellency of Knowledge in Today’s World

In today’s information-driven age, those who excel are those who know. Technological advancements, medical breakthroughs, economic strategies—everything centers around knowledge. Nations invest in research and innovation because they understand that knowledge is power.

Even in ministry and spiritual growth, knowledge remains the key. Apostle Paul prayed,
“…that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding” – Colossians 1:9
He understood that without spiritual knowledge, believers would remain weak and ineffective.

Where knowledge increases, excellence follows. When a man knows more, he becomes more.

5. How to Access and Grow in Knowledge

a. Seek it Diligently
The pursuit of knowledge must be deliberate. Proverbs 2:4-5 says if you seek knowledge as silver and search for her as hidden treasures, then shall you understand and find the knowledge of God.

b. Submit to Teaching
Be humble enough to learn from others. Great men are taught men. Invest in books, mentors, teachers, and the Word of God.

c. Apply What You Learn
Knowledge only becomes power when applied. Mere accumulation of facts does not lead to excellence—application does.

d. Remain Teachable and Curious
Never settle. Never assume you know enough. Excellence is a journey fueled by continuous learning.

6. Final Thoughts: Your Rise is in Your Knowledge

Excellence is not reserved for a few; it is accessible to all who will pursue knowledge with passion and discipline. The man who knows more than others will naturally rise above them. The woman who develops expertise through knowledge will stand before kings, not obscure people (Proverbs 22:29).

Knowledge is a gift from God, but excellence is the reward of those who embrace that gift.

Therefore, choose knowledge. Feed your mind. Strengthen your spirit. Equip your life. Because through knowledge, you too shall excel.

“And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation: the fear of the Lord is his treasure.” – Isaiah 33:6

Let knowledge be your treasure, and through it, rise to your ordained excellence.