MORAL KNOWLEDGE (1)

“Because they hated MORAL KNOWLEDGE, and did not choose to fear the Lord” – Proverbs 1:29 (NET).                              

There is a vital place for MORAL KNOWLEDGE in the lives of God’s people: “Because they hated MORAL KNOWLEDGE, and did not choose to fear the Lord, they did not comply with my advice, they spurned all my rebuke. Therefore they will eat from the fruit of their way, and they will be stuffed full of their own counsel” (Pro.1: 29-31, New English Translation). Moral Knowledge refers to the knowledge of right and wrong, of good and evil. It is tied to the Fear of God. The Ten Commandments constituted a standard for morality that was followed over many centuries by many national constitutions. These provided a legal framework that ensured safe and secure societies.

The Lord Jesus didn’t come to abolish the Law, but to fulfil it (Mt.5:17). He is our Ultimate Moral Standard. The question of defining right and wrong has never been more pertinent than in these times of eroding morals. Society has moved away from absolutes. “Moral relativism” is the rule of the day. However, to distinguish right from wrong, there must be a base to start with. God has not abandoned creation to moral anarchy. He has set clear standards, following His own Perfect Nature. These aspects of God’s Character should illuminate our hearts with Moral Knowledge:

God is truth: “But the Lord is the TRUE GOD…” (Jer.10:10a). The world worships many false gods, but we know the One True God, whose knowledge and words alone true. Jesus is Truth Personified (Jh.14:6; Jh.17:3). He also prayed: “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth” (Jh.17:17). We can be morally upright by observing God’s Standard of Truth.

God is holy: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts…” (Isa.6:3b). The angels focused their praise on God’s Holiness, not on His eternity, power or might, though He possesses all of these. Being holy means that God is without sin and cannot behold sin (Hab.1:13a). This is what necessitated the death of Jesus Christ. He was given to cover us with His Holiness and empower us to be holy as He is (1 Pet.1:15-16).

God is righteous: “For the LORD is righteous, He loves righteousness; His countenance beholds the upright” (Psa.11:7). God is just in His dealings with mankind. Even Pharaoh recognized the perfect justice of God in punishing him for his sin (Exo.9:27). We’re called to be just!

God is good: “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him!” (Psa.34:8). God is the Final Standard of what is good. Goodness is whatever He approves, that is consistent with His Character.

God is just: “He is the Rock, His work is perfect; for all His ways are justice, a God of truth and without injustice; righteous and upright is He” (Dt..32:4). Justice is closely related to holiness and righteousness. God hates sin and His just nature demands that He judge it (Rom.1:18).